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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.
South China Sea: What Exactly Has Changed At Scarborough Shoal?
By Ankit Panda
Scarborough Shoal remains under the watch of the China Coast Guard, but Philippine fishermen have access once again.
Indian Army 'Fire Assault' Hits Pakistan Military Outposts
By Ankit Panda
Tensions between India and Pakistan in Kashmir continue to intensify.
Are Indonesia and Australia Mulling South China Sea Joint Patrols?
By Prashanth Parameswaran
Indonesia’s defense minister says both sides could soon make this a reality.
Let's Talk About the Chinese Navy's Type 055 Destroyer
By Robert Farley
What does the People's Liberation Army Navy have in store for the Type 055?
South China Sea: Philippine Fishermen Gain Access to Scarborough Shoal After Duterte's China Trip
By Ankit Panda
Is China extending an olive branch to the Philippines ahead of bilateral talks?
China Accuses Japan of Endangering its Military Aircraft
By Franz-Stefan Gady
Beijing slammed Japan’s air force for scrambling jets and locking radars on to Chinese military aircraft.
South China Sea: PLAN Conducts Drill Off Hainan Island
By Ankit Panda
The exercise comes less than a week after the latest U.S. freedom of navigation patrol.
Duterte: Settle South China Sea Dispute With a Little Help From Japan?
By Ankit Panda
The Philippine president's talk of multilateralism over the South China Sea involving Japan will concern China.
Dostum Seeks to Cement His Position in Northern Afghanistan
By Shawn Snow
Dostum’s military adventurism in northern Afghanistan is not to assist Kabul in its war against the Taliban.
Could India's Arihant-class SSBN Lead to Strategic Instability in South Asia?
By Robert Farley
Are India's deterrent needs served appropriately with the Arihant-class?
3 Chinese Navy Ships Visit Vietnam's Cam Ranh Bay
By Ankit Panda
The visit is the first by the Chinese Navy since Vietnam opened the Cam Ranh international port facility.