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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.
A Raider and His 'Little Buddy': Which Fighter Will Accompany the USAF's B-21?
By Robert Farley
The B-21 has a name, but what it doesn't have is a fighter to accompany it on long-range strike missions.
Uri and Pathankot: Defending India's Defense Establishments
By Arjun Sreekumar
India's military installations are increasingly targets for terror attacks. How can Delhi defend its soldiers?
Ghani’s Deal With the Devil: Hekmatyar and Transitional Justice
By Shawn Snow
A long delayed, elusive agreement between the government of Afghanistan and Gulbuddin Hekmatyar has been inked.
What Japan-Russia Rapprochement Means for the World
By Yo-Jung Chen
By warming up to Moscow, is Shinzo Abe playing right into Putin's hands?
South China Sea: What's Taiwan Building on Itu Aba?
By Ankit Panda
Whatever Taipei's building on the west side of Itu Aba, it doesn't want to talk about it.
Civilians: The Ultimate Victims of the Af-Pak Proxy War
By Daud Khattak
The blame game playing out between Afghanistan and Pakistan only benefits militants threatening both sides.
North Korea Tests Missile Engine, Possibly Intended for an ICBM
By Ankit Panda
Less than two weeks after its fifth nuclear test, North Korea shows off a powerful new missile engine.
How China and Japan See Each Other in 2016
By Ankit Panda
A recently released survey of perceptions between Japanese and Chinese citizens finds continued mistrust and skepticism.
China, Malaysia Mull Dispute Resolution for ‘Belt and Road’ Countries
By Prashanth Parameswaran
Special envoy proposes dispute settlement collaboration to provide legal protection for projects.
Gurdaspur, Pathankot, and Now Uri: What Are India's Options?
By Ankit Panda
Once again, Indian officials are blaming Pakistan for a terrorist attacks. What options does Delhi have?
North Korea: What Options Remain?
By Walter C. Clemens, Jr.
Has the United States fully explored diplomatic options with North Korea?
17 Indian Soldiers Killed in Kashmir: India-Pakistan Tensions Heating up
By Shawn Snow
As heavy pressure builds on Islamabad, Kashmir heats up.