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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.
North Korea's New Intermediate-Range Ballistic Missile, the Hwasong-12: First Takeaways
By Ankit Panda
North Korea introduces the Hwasong-12, a "perfect weapon system" that may bring the U.S. territory of Guam into range.
The Pacific War Origins of US Special Operations Forces
By Robert Farley
The full flowering of special operations forces wouldn’t come until after Vietnam.
North Korea Launches What Is Possibly a New Intermediate-Range Ballistic Missile
By Ankit Panda
The test came out of Kusong, near the country's western coast.
Is China Winning in the South China Sea?
By Sukmawani Bela Pertiwi
After the Philippines, the United States has also softened its approach to China while the rest remains silent.
China and India’s Diplomatic Space Race
By Namrata Goswami and Namrata Goswami
Today, space programs have very practical diplomatic and economic functions here on earth.
Quadrilateral US, UK, Japan, France Naval Exercises Off Guam Indefinitely Postponed
By Ankit Panda
The U.S. Navy does not have a date for the resumption of the exercises.
Bipartisan Group of US Senators Call for South China Sea FONOPs
By Ankit Panda
U.S. lawmakers note a lack of attention by the Trump administration to the South China Sea.
China's Aircraft Carriers and Nuclear Bastion Defense
By Robert Farley
The Chinese Navy's first-generation carriers may find suitable missions yet as the carrier force grows and evolves.
India, Japan to Deepen Defense Cooperation
By Franz-Stefan Gady
India’s minister of defense and his Japanese counterpart affirmed plans to strengthen their military cooperation.
US Warship Collides With South Korean Fishing Vessel
By Franz-Stefan Gady
The U.S. warship was cruising off the Korean Peninsula when it collided with a South Korean fishing boat.
East China Sea: 4 China Coast Guard Vessels Enter Territorial Sea Near Disputed Islands
By Ankit Panda
Japan claims this is the 12th incursion by Chinese vessels in the East China Sea to date this year.
US Freedom of Navigation Challenges in South China Sea on Hold
By Steven Stashwick
Apparent deference to other issues echoes Obama principles in region.