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Flashpoints
Will China’s military rival the United States’ in the Pacific? Will Japan abandon the constitutional fetters on its own military? How will India respond to the String of Pearls strategy? The Diplomat has put together a team of leading analysts to offer must-read, regular commentary on the big defense and security issues in the Asia-Pacific.
Terrifyingly Rational: North Korea’s Missile Over Japan
By Yukari Easton
Did Kim Jong-un just call Donald Trump’s bluff?
Disengagement at Doklam: Why and How Did the India-China Standoff End?
By Ankit Panda
Who came out on top in the Doklam standoff in the end?
5 Takeaways on North Korea's Ballistic Missile Overflight of Japan
By Ankit Panda
North Korea carries out what is likely its most provocative ballistic missile test to date.
The Egypt-North Korea Connection
By Samuel Ramani
Cairo remains one of Pyongyang’s leading trade partners in the Arab world.
What Kind of Missiles Did North Korea Launch on August 26?
By Ankit Panda
The United States, South Korea, and Japan didn't seem to agree on what North Korea launched.
How Much Work Should the US Put Into Developing Cyber Rules With China?
By Robert Farley
Will Washington risk giving up preventive and preemptive cyber options by engaging China?
Intellectual Property and the Coming US-China Trade War
By Robert Farley
How significant is the new Section 301 investigation into China’s intellectual property practices?
US Navy Dismisses Head of 7th Fleet Following Destroyer Collision
By Franz-Stefan Gady
The U.S. Navy has dismissed the commander of its 7th Fleet from duty, following the second deadly ship collision in less than three months.
US Navy World War II-Era Heavy Cruiser Wreckage Discovered in Pacific
By Franz-Stefan Gady
The U.S. warship was sunk by a Japanese submarine in July 1945. It delivered parts for the atomic bomb dropped over Hiroshima.
South China Sea: A Chinese 'Invasion' Near the Philippines' Pag-asa Island in the Spratlys?
By Ankit Panda
Recent events near Pag-asa Island raise distressing questions.
Leveraging US Military Power in South China Sea
By Steven Stashwick
The U.S. should leverage the prospect of new military balancing capabilities to establish an accommodation with China in the South China Sea.
The India-Vietnam Relationship: Beyond the BrahMos Connection
By Harsh V. Pant
The strategic partnership between India and Vietnam goes beyond a prospective BrahMos sale.