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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.
USS John S. McCain Collides With Merchant Vessel Near Singapore, 10 Sailors Missing
By Steven Stashwick
U.S. destroyer is moored in Singapore, damage being assessed and search for missing continues.
Can China Curb North Korea's Nuclear Ambitions?
By Son Daekwon
Cold War history -- particularly surrounding Beijing's own nuclear development -- suggests otherwise.
Stone-Pelting at Lake Pangong: India, China Border Tensions Under the Spotlight
By Ankit Panda
An unusually violent border incident between India and China highlights ongoing tensions.
Can China Be Taken Seriously on its ‘Word’ to Negotiate Disputed Territory?
By Namrata Goswami and Namrata Goswami
Beijing has a habit of signing, and then ignoring, “guiding principles” on maintaining the status quo in disputed areas.
North Korea Has Already Crossed Moon Jae-in's Red Line
By Ankit Panda
The South Korean president's latest red line has already been transgressed by North Korea's Hwasong-14 missile.
Whatever Trump May Believe, North Korea Didn't 'Back Down' From Its Guam Threat
By Ankit Panda
That North Korea has not yet launched missiles toward Guam does not mean that Kim Jong-un has backed down.
Beware the New China-Philippines South China Sea Deal
By Prashanth Parameswaran
The Duterte administration continues to tout opportunities of a pact despite the significant risks it would involve.
US, Japan Conduct Military Exercise Near Senkakus
By Franz-Stefan Gady
U.S. B-1B bombers and Japanese fighters participated in a joint air drill in the vicinity of the Senkaku islands on August 15.
North Korea's New High-Performance Missile Engines Likely Weren't Made in Russia or Ukraine
By Ankit Panda
However, U.S. intelligence has a good idea of the kind of engine North Korea is using in its new long-range missiles.
North Korea Won't Be Striking the Waters Near Guam. For Now.
By Ankit Panda
Kim Jong-un decided not to pull the trigger on his plan to strike waters near Guam. What does that tell us?
US, Japan Conduct Military Exercise in Hokkaido
By Franz-Stefan Gady
Over 2,000 U.S. Marines are joined by 1,500 Japan Self-Defense Force personnel in an annually-held joint contingency exercise.
China and North Korea Have a Mutual Defense Treaty, But When Would It Apply?
By Ankit Panda
China's assurances to North Korea would not apply if it began a war, but it would if were attacked first.