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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.
The US Navy's First Trump-Era South China Sea FONOP Just Happened: First Takeaways and Analysis
By Ankit Panda
A U.S. warship finally passes within 12 nautical miles of Mischief Reef.
Jakarta Bus Terminal Hit With Two Suicide Bombings
By Ankit Panda
The attack appeared to target Jakarta police officers.
3 Reasons Why the US Should Join China's Belt and Road Initiative
By Dingding Chen
Simpy put, it is in the U.S. national interest to participate in the Belt and Road Initiative.
Trump: 2 Nuclear Subs Operating in Korean Waters
By Franz-Stefan Gady
In a call with the Philippine president, Donald Trump allegedly revealed military secrets. Did he really?
Different Fleets for Different Strategies: Imaging the Future of the US Navy (Part Two)
By Robert Farley
Predictions are hard; especially about the future.
A Holistic Approach to India's Nuclear Doctrine
By Nishant Rajeev
If India is considering a change to its nuclear doctrine, it will need to understand the non-military consequences.
Deterring North Korea
By Masashi Murano
The United States and its allies need to review and reconstruct their multi-layered deterrence strategy.
Vietnam: Japan’s Largest Aircraft Carrier Participates in Major Naval Exercise
By Franz-Stefan Gady
Japan’s largest warship is currently taking part in a humanitarian assistance and disaster relief drill in Vietnam.
Different Fleets for Different Strategies: Imaging the Future of the US Navy (Part One)
By Robert Farley
What kinds of future fleets are available to the U.S. Navy?
North Korea Tests Its Pukkuksong-2 Solid Fuel Ballistic Missile Again: First Takeaways
By Ankit Panda
North Korea flight-tested its Pukkuksong medium-range ballistic missile for the second time this year.
Rocket System on Fiery Cross Reef Highlights Problem of Defining 'Militarization'
By Steven Stashwick
Lack of a useful U.S. definition helps China deflect criticism.
Does China Have a Counterintelligence Edge Against the US?
By Ankit Panda
A new report suggests China has successfully cracked down on U.S. human intelligence sources within its borders.