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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.
US Intelligence: North Korea's ICBM Reentry Vehicles Are Likely Good Enough to Hit the Continental US
By Ankit Panda
North Korea's reentry vehicle technology is likely where it needs it to be, but it may choose to test to longer ranges.
Why North Korea's Brinkmanship Will Never Stop
By Dmitriy Nurullayev
Playing up the idea of conflict with the United States is a key survival tactic for the Kim regime.
Sino-Russian Shadow Competition Plays Out in Egypt
By Nicholas Trickett
A legacy of competition exists between the two powers -- can Russia shadowbox China in Egypt?
Why Trump's Threat of 'Fire and Fury' Against North Korea Is So Dangerous
By Vipin Narang and Ankit Panda
Trump's empty threats are not only dangerous; they serve to undermine allied commitments and the credibility of U.S. threats.
South China Sea: US Navy Conducts Freedom of Navigation Operation
By Franz-Stefan Gady
It was the third freedom of navigation operation conducted during the presidency of Donald Trump.
Why North Korea Is Planning Long-Range Missile Flight Tests Over Japan and Toward Guam
By Ankit Panda
What an unusual statement out of North Korea tells us about its future missile testing plans.
Are Geopolitical Realities Hindering Trump's Scrutiny of Chinese Trade Practices?
By Robert Farley
When will the Trump administration make a move on China's trade practices?
US Intelligence: North Korea May Already Be Annually Accruing Enough Fissile Material for 12 Nuclear Weapons
By Ankit Panda
North Korea's arsenal could begin to grow at increasingly faster rates.
A Trial Balloon Over Mindanao: The Philippines Weighs US UCAVs in Counterinsurgency
By Blanchard E. Neuman
Would U.S. unmanned combat aerial vehicles change the game in Mindanao counterinsurgency?
US, Australia, Japan Jointly Challenge China on South China Sea Issue
By Charlotte Gao
The three countries jointly called for China and the Philippines to abide by last year's arbitral ruling.
US Considers Direct Military Involvement in Fight Against Islamic State-Affiliated Militants in Mindanao
By Ankit Panda
U.S. drone strikes against the Islamic State in the Philippines may not be decisive in terminating the conflict.
China Hits Back at South Korea's THAAD Deployment Following North Korea's Latest ICBM Test
By Ankit Panda
South Korea approved the provisional deployment of additional THAAD launchers.