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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.
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.
Planned New York Talks Between North Korean and Former US Officials Won't Go Ahead
By Ankit Panda
Track 1.5 talks with North Korea officials won't be returning to New York City after all.
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."
Russia and Pakistan's Reluctant Romance
By Saddam Hussein
Over the past decade, Pakistan and Russia have been repairing a relationship badly damaged during the Cold War.
The Truth About Australia-Indonesia South China Sea Patrols
By Prashanth Parameswaran
A deeper look behind President Jokowi’s suggestion that he may discuss the proposal during his state visit to Australia.
Kim Jong-nam's Assassins in Malaysia Used VX Nerve Agent. That's a Big Deal.
By Ankit Panda
Malaysian authorities confirm Kim Jong-nam was killed by the VX nerve agent.
Why Trump Can't Break Russia Away From China
By John S. Van Oudenaren
The conditions just aren't right for Kissinger-style triangular diplomacy.
A Deadly February Should Motivate Afghanistan-Pakistan Security Cooperation
By Mushtaq Rahim
A fresh wave of terror in the AfPak region is another reminder about the need for an honest partnership..