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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.
Why Hasn't the United States Thrown Its Support Behind India in the Doklam Standoff?
By Robert Farley
There are good reasons for Washington to avoid being drawn into the Doklam standoff.
How Much Trade Transits the South China Sea? Not $5.3 Trillion a Year
By Ankit Panda
How much trade actually transits the South China Sea every year?
Will a China-ASEAN South China Sea Code of Conduct Really Matter?
By Prashanth Parameswaran
As we hear an agreement being talked up, it’s worth being clear about what it means.
Should North Korea Be Kicked Out of the ASEAN Regional Forum?
By Prashanth Parameswaran
The Trump administration continues to call for Pyongyang’s suspension despite the challenges that this entails.
New Details on North Korea's Second ICBM Test Suggest Improvements, Further Testing Ahead
By Ankit Panda
North Korea's Hwasong-14 intercontinental-range ballistic missile may see further testing and development.
Chinese People's Liberation Army Rocket Force Staged a Massive Missile Drill Against a THAAD Mockup Target
By Ankit Panda
The exercise came one day before the People's Liberation Army celebrated its 90th anniversary with a major parade.
Better Sanctions, Better Expectations, and a Better North Korea Policy
By Robert Farley
Are secondary sanctions the key to a better U.S. North Korea policy?
North Korea's Second ICBM Test Introduced New Features to the Missile's Second Stage
By Ankit Panda
North Korea's July 28 Hwasong-14 ICBM launch featured yaw maneuver motors on the second stage.
A More Muscular Britain in the South China Sea?
By Prashanth Parameswaran
The hype surrounding the UK’s future role on the issue needs to be put into proper perspective.
What the US Knew About North Korea's Second ICBM Launch Before It Happened
By Ankit Panda
U.S. military intelligence observed North Korea's preparation for a second ICBM test from Mupyong-ni.
US Dispatches 2 Heavy Strategic Bombers to Korean Peninsula
By Franz-Stefan Gady
After North Korea’s recent ICBM test, the U.S. dispatched 2 B-1B Lancers for joint drills with Japan and South Korea.
US, South Korea Fire Missiles in Response to North’s ICBM Test
By Franz-Stefan Gady
The United States and South Korea conducted a precision-strike missile drill in response to North Korea’s recent ICBM flight test.