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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.
US-China Competition in ASEAN on the South China Sea: Who Won This Round?
By Shawn W. Crispin
A closer look at how the two powers did in the recent round of regional summitry in Laos.
The Surprising New Challenge for the US in the South China Sea
By Mohamed Zeeshan
Washington's headache in the South China increasingly includes one of its own allies.
North Korea Showed Off a Previously Unseen Missile During the G20
By Ankit Panda
Pyongyang's been sitting on the Scud-ER for years. It finally showed it off during the Hangzhou G20 meeting.
Tarin Kot: The City that Launched Karzai Under Threat of Collapse
By Shawn Snow
The collapse of the provincial capital would deal a significant blow to the Afghan government.
US Army to Deploy 1,400 Airborne Troops to Afghanistan
By Franz-Stefan Gady
Elements of the 101st Airborne Division will be deployed to support counterterrorism operations in the country.
Crying Wolf? Contrary to Reports, No Dredges at Scarborough Shoal Yet
By Steven Stashwick
Images show Chinese Maritime Militia, not Barges, but Filipino Fishermen still blocked from Shoal.
US Navy to Hold Massive Naval Drill in Western Pacific
By Franz-Stefan Gady
The exercise will include over a dozen surface warships, 180 aircraft, and 18,000 military personnel.
It's Been 120 Days Since the Last South China Sea FONOP. So What?
By Ankit Panda
If the United States wants FONOPs to work, they should ideally be kept to a regular schedule.
Countering THAAD: North Korea Test Fires Three Nuclear-Capable Ballistic Missiles
By Franz-Stefan Gady
The missiles hit the water inside Japan’s air defense identification zone in the East China Sea.
Little Progress on THAAD as Park, Xi Meet on G20 Sidelines
By Ankit Panda
Xi and Park reiterated their views on THAAD, but didn't appear to forge a path toward understanding.
Kuril Islands Dispute: Putin and Abe Once Again Get Serious About Finding a Solution
By Ankit Panda
Putin is signaling that he could be open to a compromise on the dispute, but there needs to be trust first.
With the Hangzhou G20, China Demonstrates Its Global Leadership Credentials
By Dingding Chen
It is never easy to be a global leader, but China is determined to become one.