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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 Has Nothing to Fear From China's 'Belt and Road'
By Saadat Hassan Bilal
India is more than capable of helping shape the future of connectivity in Asia.
Pakistan Tests New Sub-Launched Nuclear-Capable Cruise Missile. What Now?
By Ankit Panda and Vipin Narang
Pakistan’s successful test of the Babur-3 submarine-launched cruise missile presents new challenges.
Why Vietnam Has Turned Its Strategic Attention to the Sea
By Robert Farley
Vietnam's strategic turn toward the South China Sea presents a series of challenges for the country's defense planners.
A Slip of the Tongue on India's Once-Hyped 'Cold Start' Doctrine?
By Ankit Panda
Is this India finally acknowledging Cold Start as sanctioned and ready for use, or something else altogether?
Can Trumpian Triangular Diplomacy Work?
By Raymond Kuo
The circumstances that let the U.S. play China against the Soviet Union in the Cold War no longer exist.
Will China’s Aircraft Carrier Cross Paths With New US Carrier Strike Group in Western Pacific?
By Franz-Stefan Gady
The U.S. Navy is set to deploy a new aircraft carrier to the Western Pacific. Will it cross path with China’s carrier?
'Optionality' and the Future of US Defense Procurement
By Robert Farley
“Optionality” may someday become one of the buzzwords that we simultaneously bemoan and find useful.
2017: Year of the North Korean Intercontinental Ballistic Missile?
By Ankit Panda
Kim Jong-un lays out an offer for Donald Trump in his new year's address.
Chinese Military Recruitment Video Features East China Sea Air Encounter With Japan
By Ankit Panda
"This is China Naval Aviation Force on guard. Attention! You are about to violate Chinese air territory."
12 Asian Geopolitical Trends and Events From 2016 That'll Matter in 2017
By Ankit Panda
Here's wishing the Asia-Pacific a happy and prosperous new year. Watch these issues in the coming year.
China, Nepal Plan First-Ever Military Drill
By Ankit Panda
Few details have been released so far regarding the size, scope, and location of the exercise.
How the Islamic State Could Be Reborn in Afghanistan
By Daud Khattak
Although the ISKP is at a disadvantage, several factors could help it rise again in 2017.