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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.
US and Japan Hold Naval Drill Off Guam
By Franz-Stefan Gady
The U.S. Navy and Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) are holding an bilateral training exercise this week.
India Resets the Terms of Engagement With China
By Harsh V. Pant
The Modi government is taking a different tack to its ties with China.
US Starts Deploying THAAD Anti-Missile Defense System in South Korea
By Franz-Stefan Gady
The move is likely to deepen the growing rift between Beijing and Seoul.
For the United States, Freedom of Navigation in Asia Concerns More Than Just China
By Ankit Panda
The United States' freedom of navigation program focuses on more than just China.
North Korea Launches Multiple Ballistic Missiles, With 3 Splashing Down in Japan's EEZ
By Ankit Panda
As the United States and South Korea continue their annual exercises, North Korea launched multiple ballistic missiles.
Chinese Military Aircraft Transit Miyako Strait, Leading Japan to Scramble Jets
By Ankit Panda
China returns to the Miyako Strait.
Integrating the Army Into the US Approach to the Pacific
By Robert Farley
Preparing for multi-domain battle in the Pacific will be necessary for the United States.
The Philippines' South China Sea Flip-Flop
By Nehginpao Kipgen
The Duterte administration's inconsistent approach toward the disputes is making diplomacy even more difficult.
Is Russia’s Military Deploying 10,000 Additional Troops on the Kuril Islands?
By Franz-Stefan Gady
Russia’s defense minister intends to station a new Russian army division on the disputed Kuril Islands in 2017.
New Chinese Missile Installations in Spratlys?
By Steven Stashwick
Structures might house long-range SAMs as China inches closer to "militarization" of islands.
The Chinese Navy's Djibouti Base: A 'Support Facility' or Something More?
By Ankit Panda
China says its facility in Djibouti will amount to little more than a "support facility."