Blog
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.
US Missile Defense Agency Head: North Korea's ICBM Ambitions a Source of 'Great Concern'
By Ankit Panda
Can U.S. ballistic missile defense efforts outpace North Korea's progress toward an ICBM?
The Battle of Midway, 75 Years On
By Ankit Panda
75 years later, the Battle of Midway stands as one of the greatest all-time naval victories.
US Nuclear Sub Armed With Cruise Missiles Makes Port Call in South Korea
By Franz-Stefan Gady
A U.S. nuclear-powered attack sub visited the city of Busan this week.
Putin: Russian Force Buildup in Kuril Islands a Response to US Military Actions
By Franz-Stefan Gady
Furthermore, the Russian president does not rule out a U.S. troop presence on the disputed islands if controlled by Japan.
Philippines’ Duterte First Head of State to Visit Japan’s Largest Warship
By Franz-Stefan Gady
The Philippine president purportedly expressed his willingness to deepen defense cooperation with Japan while onboard.
Why China and Russia Continue to Oppose THAAD
By Ankit Panda
Russian and Chinese opposition to THAAD featured prominently at the 2017 Shangri-La Dialogue.
Thinking Africa: India, Japan, and the Asia-Africa Growth Corridor
By Titli Basu
Outlining India and Japan's approaches to Africa, separately and bilaterally.
Exclusive: North Korea Tested Its New Intermediate-Range Ballistic Missile 3 Times in April 2017
By Ankit Panda
North Korea tested its new intermediate-range ballistic missile, the Hwasong-12, three times in April 2017.
Would China Be a Benign Hegemon?
By Kyle Haynes
Of course China wants hegemony in its backyard. The better question is what Beijing will do afterwards.
Can a New US Surge Stabilize Afghanistan?
By Ali Reza Sarwar
Trump is considering sending more troops to Afghanistan, but that won't solve the underlying problems.
Deterring Pyongyang: 2 US Supercarriers Hold Naval Drills off Korean Peninsula
By Franz-Stefan Gady
For the first time in over two decades, two aircraft carriers are conducting a joint naval exercise off the Korean Peninsula.
RIMPAC 2018: China Invited to Participate in Major US Naval Exercise
By Franz-Stefan Gady
China has been invited to participate in next year’s Rim of the Pacific exercise.