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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.
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.
China Burnishes Anti-Piracy Credentials Without Clarifying Possible Use of Lethal Force
By Ankit Panda
The Chinese Ministry of National Defense clarified the extent of the Chinese Navy's anti-piracy operations in the Indian Ocean.
Trump and Southeast Asia: Sustaining the Maritime Pivot
By Koh Swee Lean Collin
The new administration needs to rethink deterrence in the South China Sea.
Time for ASEAN's Defense Ministers Meeting to Put Traditional Security on the Agenda
By Henrick Z. Tsjeng
ADMM can wade into troubled waters by starting out discussions of "grey areas."
Should America Share the 'Spear' With Japan?
By James L. Schoff and David Song
The Japanese debate over acquiring missile strike capability needs to consider the broader alliance framework.
THAAD Is Operational in South Korea. What Next?
By Ryan Barenklau
THAAD is up and running, but that likely won't change U.S. thinking about a preemptive strike.
Under Trump, A Looming North Korean ICBM Threat Brings Alliance 'Decoupling' Fears Back to East Asia
By Ankit Panda
How long until Trump wonders out loud why the U.S. should risk American cities for Korean and Japanese cities?
What Does China's New Aircraft Carrier Mean for the Liaoning?
By Robert Farley
China seems to be taking the same careful approach to its carrier program as Japan took during the interwar period.
India's 2017 Joint Armed Forces Doctrine: First Takeaways
By Ankit Panda
India's latest joint military doctrinal document offers new insight.