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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.
China Expands Its Spying Against Taiwan
By Aaron Jensen
Espionage operations now extend to students, rather than focusing only on retired officials.
Vietnam Seeks South Korean Backing in the South China Sea
By Ankit Panda
Vietnam's prime minister asked for South Korea's support in ongoing disputes in the South China Sea.
The Strengths and Weaknesses of Asia's 2 Major Defense Meetings
By Sarah Teo
Assessing the future of the ASEAN Defense Ministers' Meeting and ADMM-Plus.
France to Dispatch Mistral Amphibious Assault Ship for Exercise in Western Pacific
By Ankit Panda
The French vessel will join Japanese, British, and U.S. ships for a multilateral exercise later this year.
Crimea: When Is an Annexation Not Actually an Annexation?
By Casey Michel
Three years ago, Russia formally annexed Crimea, citing a flawed referendum.
South China Sea: Is China Considering Construction Work at Scarborough Shoal Again?
By Ankit Panda
New signs emerge that the prospect of Chinese construction at South China Sea hasn't entirely faded since 2016.
When Islamic State and the Taliban Compete, Afghanistan Loses
By Adam Wunische
Analysts continue to misjudge the potential threat posed by the Islamic State’s contingent in Afghanistan. They shouldn’t.
A Closer Look at China's Critical South China Sea Submarine Base
By Damen Cook
A deeper look at Yulin-East, China's burgeoning submarine bastion in the South China Sea.
Japan Holds First-Ever North Korean Ballistic Missile Attack Civilian Evacuation Drill
By Ankit Panda
Japanese civilians are being prepared for a potential North Korean ballistic missile attack.
South China Sea: China Continues Construction Work on North Island in Paracel Group
By Ankit Panda
Satellite imagery shows additional Chinese work on its island possessions in the Paracel group.
US, Japan, ROK Hold Joint Missile Drill
By Franz-Stefan Gady
Warships from the three countries are holding a trilateral missile warning informational link exercise this week.