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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: 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.
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.