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.
South China Sea: Indonesian Military Stages Massive Natuna Sea Exercise
By Ankit Panda
Indonesian President Joko Widodo observed the exercises, underlining the importance of the Natuna Islands.
Have Asia’s Middle Powers Come of Age?
By Chietigj Bajpaee
Recent developments have illustrated that Asia's middle powers are key drivers of strategic change.
China-Thailand Relations in the Spotlight with Activist Deportation
By Shawn W. Crispin
A recent incident has raised questions about how beholden Bangkok is to Beijing.
Afghan Forces Struggle to Hold the Line
By Shawn Snow
Major Afghan cities are currently surrounded and under assault by the Taliban forces.
South Asia’s New Strategic Reality
By Harsh V. Pant
The Modi government in India has set clear terms for South Asian strategic stability.
How Water Scarcity Could Fuel Another Sino-Indian War
By Francis P. Sempa
A recent article lays out how water and geopolitics combine in Arunachal Pradesh.
Why the Korean War Remained Limited
By Robert Farley
How do states evaluate their commitments during wartime?
Kunduz Back in Government Control as Taliban Conduct Information Operations
By Shawn Snow
Afghan forces retook the city center of Kunduz on Tuesday after it was briefly taken by Taliban militants.
South China Sea: China Activates First Desalination Plant on Woody Island
By Ankit Panda
The activation of China's first desalination plant on Woody Island improves the island's livability.
Ghani’s Brussels Trip Overshadowed as Taliban Capture Kunduz Again
By Shawn Snow
The Taliban have launched yet another major assault on Kunduz.
Militants Attack Indian Army Camp in Kashmir's Baramulla District: First Takeaways
By Ankit Panda
The attack on an Indian Army camp in Baramulla comes less than two weeks after the devastating Uri attack.
2 US Warships Make Port Call in Hong Kong
By Franz-Stefan Gady
The visit of two U.S. Navy vessels comes five months after China cancelled a port visit by a U.S. aircraft carrier.