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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.
Chinese Navy Holds 'Confrontation Drill' in Sea of Japan
By Ankit Panda
The ships participating in the exercise were on their way back to China from RIMPAC 2016.
The One Place in Asia China Would Embrace More US Involvement
By Kerry Brown
Beijing would welcome more engagement between the U.S. and North Korea -- and Washington should consider it.
South Korea Holds Largest-Ever Live-Fire Artillery Drills
By Ankit Panda
The exercise drew no immediate reaction from North Korea.
China and US Navies Conduct Joint Search and Rescue Drill
By Franz-Stefan Gady
The Chinese and U.S. navies also held a Code for Unplanned Encounters at Sea exercise.
Beware the Illusion of China-ASEAN South China Sea Breakthroughs
By Prashanth Parameswaran
We need to be clear-eyed about both progress made and the challenges that remain.
India-Pakistan Relations: A Paradigm Shift
By Saad Khan
Remarks by Modi and Sharif at their independence day celebrations signal the end of attempts at reconciliation.
Is China-Philippines Bilateralism on the South China Sea Going Anywhere?
By Ankit Panda
Fidel Ramos' "Track II" overture maintains steam, but can bilateralism lead to a positive outcome?
Deterring China: Japan to Develop New Anti-Ship Missile for Defense of Senkakus
By Franz-Stefan Gady
Tokyo intends to deploy a new anti-ship missile to deter Chinese advances in the East China Sea.
East China Sea: Japan Rescues Chinese Fishermen Near Disputed Senkaku/Diaoyu Islands
By Shannon Tiezzi
Japan saves 6 Chinese fishermen from their sinking vessel after a collision with a Greek cargo ship.
Top US Naval Officer in Asia Calls for Military Transparency in China Visit
By Franz-Stefan Gady
The commander of the U.S. Pacific Fleet urged the Chinese military to be more transparent about its intentions.
Is China Bringing its South China Sea Tactics to the East China Sea?
By Ankit Panda
Plus, PACOM's top man speaks, India and nuclear testing, Afghanistan's sturggle in Helmand, and more. Links.
How US Aerial Bombing During the Vietnam War Backfired
By Robert Farley
U.S. aerial bombs did little to further overall strategic objectives.