Blog
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.
Iran Deploys New Russian Air Defense System Around Nuclear Site
By Franz-Stefan Gady
Air defenses around the Fordow uranium enrichment facility have purportedly been reinforced by Russian SAMs.
Will an Abe-Xi Meeting Happen on the Sidelines of the 2016 G20 Summit?
By Ankit Panda
The two leaders last met in April 2015.
Don't Be Too Sure About a Stalemated US-China Military Balance
By Robert Farley
There are reasons to believe that the United States will maintain a qualitative technological edge.
China's 'Red Line' Warning to Japan on South China Sea FONOPs Is Here to Stay
By Ankit Panda
Beijing does not dispute reports that its envoy to Tokyo drew a "red line" for Japan in the South China Sea.
Getting the Right World War I Metaphor for a US-China Clash
By Steven Stashwick
The Great War has less to tell us about how a Pacific War might start than what it might look like.
A New Legal Landscape in the South China Sea
By Nguyen Ba Son
We need to fully grasp the significance of the Philippines v. China verdict.
The Natunas: Why Is Indonesia Developing A South China Sea Flashpoint?
By Prashanth Parameswaran
We need to look beyond the headlines for a realistic assessment of what Jakarta wants and what it might get.
US and India Set to Sign Military Logistics Exchange Agreement
By Ankit Panda
The agreement would ease the way for regular logistics cooperation, which now occurs on a case-by-case basis.
Are the United States and China Condemned to a Military Stalemate?
By Robert Farley
A new article posits a technology-heavy analysis of the future of the U.S.-China military balance.
Pakistan's Role in the Syria Conflict
By Samuel Ramani
How Pakistan wound up on the same side as Iran in the Syria conflict.
North Korea Tests Submarine-Launched Ballistic Missile as US-South Korea Exercises Begin
By Ankit Panda
The missile landed in the Sea of Japan and flew 300 kilometers, according to U.S. Strategic Command.
Duterte: South China Sea Talks With China 'Within The Year'
By Ankit Panda
The Philippine president expects bilateral talks to begin within the year.