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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.
Philippines’ Duterte First Head of State to Visit Japan’s Largest Warship
By Franz-Stefan Gady
The Philippine president purportedly expressed his willingness to deepen defense cooperation with Japan while onboard.
Why China and Russia Continue to Oppose THAAD
By Ankit Panda
Russian and Chinese opposition to THAAD featured prominently at the 2017 Shangri-La Dialogue.
Thinking Africa: India, Japan, and the Asia-Africa Growth Corridor
By Titli Basu
Outlining India and Japan's approaches to Africa, separately and bilaterally.
Exclusive: North Korea Tested Its New Intermediate-Range Ballistic Missile 3 Times in April 2017
By Ankit Panda
North Korea tested its new intermediate-range ballistic missile, the Hwasong-12, three times in April 2017.
Would China Be a Benign Hegemon?
By Kyle Haynes
Of course China wants hegemony in its backyard. The better question is what Beijing will do afterwards.
Can a New US Surge Stabilize Afghanistan?
By Ali Reza Sarwar
Trump is considering sending more troops to Afghanistan, but that won't solve the underlying problems.
Deterring Pyongyang: 2 US Supercarriers Hold Naval Drills off Korean Peninsula
By Franz-Stefan Gady
For the first time in over two decades, two aircraft carriers are conducting a joint naval exercise off the Korean Peninsula.
RIMPAC 2018: China Invited to Participate in Major US Naval Exercise
By Franz-Stefan Gady
China has been invited to participate in next year’s Rim of the Pacific exercise.
Where Is China's New Underwater System in the East and South China Seas?
By Prashanth Parameswaran
China's move toward an undersea observation network appears to be progressing.
Is the US Navy Deploying a Third Carrier Strike Group to the Asia-Pacific?
By Franz-Stefan Gady
The U.S. Navy is purportedly deploying another supercarrier to the Western Pacific.
North Korea Introduces a New 'Ultra-Precision' Scud Missile Variant: First Takeaways
By Ankit Panda
North Korea introduces a new "ultra-precision" Scud variant. What good is it?
Did North Korea's Latest Missile Launch Seek to Drive a Wedge Between Japan and South Korea?
By Ankit Panda
North Korea's latest missile launch may reignite a long-simmering territorial dispute between Japan and South Korea.