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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: US Navy Destroyer Asserts Freedom of Navigation in Paracel Islands
By Ankit Panda
The FONOP is the first to take place since a July ruling on China's claims in the South China Sea.
Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte Meets Xi Jinping: First Takeaways
By Ankit Panda
Rodrigo Duterte's first meeting with his Chinese counterpart suggests bilateral rapprochement on a range of issues.
Can China Reshape Asia’s Security Architecture?
By Prashanth Parameswaran
Though Beijing’s proposals deserve a listen, it also needs to adjust its message.
Next US President's Asia-Pacific Inbox: 8 Issues to Watch in Obama's Final 100 Days
By Ankit Panda
As Obama enters his last hundred days in office, Asia remains in flux.
Spoilers and Peace in Afghanistan: Negotiating With the Taliban
By Shawn Snow
The biggest potential spoiler for Afghan President Ashraf Ghani is Pakistan.
Kuril Islands Dispute: Russia-Japan Joint Administration on the Table?
By Ankit Panda
Japan denies that any talks for joint administration of the dispute island chain are underway with Russia.
Duterte: No Bargaining With China on South China Sea
By Ankit Panda
The Philippine president suggested that he would bring up the July 12 ruling on the South China Sea when he visits China.
North Korean Missile Launch Attempt Fails
By Ankit Panda
The missile in question may have been the Hwasong-10, or Musudan, intermediate-range ballistic missile.
When Chinese Fishermen Become 'Pirates' in the Yellow Sea
By Alexander Mitchell Hynd
South Korea’s strong response to the recent sinking of one of its coast guard vessels is unlikely to lead to further escalation.
At the 2016 Xiangshan Forum, China Outlines a Vision for Regional Security Governance
By Alice Ekman
Beijing has a plan for a new regional security architecture, and it’s not based around alliances.
What Defense Hardware Could the Philippines Even Buy From Russia or China?
By Robert Farley
What can the Philippines' new government realistically purchase from China and Russia?
Pentagon Metrics on Afghan War are Useless
By Shawn Snow
The U.S. strategy focused on population centers ignores historical realities of Afghan’s counterrevolutionary history.