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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.
Asia Is in the Grip of a Transnational Crime Crisis
By Roderic Broadhurst
Yet governments are looking the other way.
Despite Rising Violence, Some Promising Trends in Afghanistan
By Adam Wunische
A recent survey shows that, while many problems persist in Afghanistan, there are some positive developments.
The EU’s Own 'Pivot to Asia'
By The Diplomat
An interview with Fraser Cameron.
The British Are Coming… To the South China Sea
By Ankit Panda
Plus, Vietnam gets to reclaiming land in the Spratly Islands and Taiwan celebrates 70 years of Taiping Island.
US Sanctions Against China Over the East and South China Seas: A Serious Proposal?
By Ankit Panda
U.S. Senator Marco Rubio introduced a bill that would force U.S. sanctions against China over its maritime behavior.
Where Are China and Japan on Maritime Talks?
By Prashanth Parameswaran
As Beijing and Tokyo kick off yet another round of maritime consultations, it is worth looking at where things stand.
The Real Trouble with Trump’s Taiwan Call
By Prashanth Parameswaran
The true uncertainties Trump's phone calls raise have been missed amid some of the sensationalist speculation.
The Emerging India-Afghanistan Front Against Pakistan
By Harsh V. Pant
Evidence is gathering that India and Afghanistan will band together to counter Pakistan.
Unmanned Systems May Kill Any Prospect of Peace in East and Southeast Asia
By Tobias J. Burgers and Scott N. Romaniuk
It is only a matter of time before drones are put to use in Asia's maritime conflicts.
Donald Trump Just Gave Chinese Hawks a Great Talking Point on the South China Sea
By Ankit Panda
Donald Trump's brief remark on the South China Sea may be more significant than you think.
Donald Trump Just Complicated US-Taiwan Relations, Big Time
By Ankit Panda
Donald Trump's phone call to Tsai Ing-wen sets up a possible diplomatic crisis with China.
Lessons in Military Cooperation From Indian Ocean Counter-Piracy Ops
By Robert Farley
What can the lessons of naval cooperation in countering piracy off Somalia teach us?