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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 Vessel Suspected of Damaging European Submarine Cables
By Shannon Tiezzi
European officials have suggested that the severing of two separate cables in the Baltic was “sabotage.” The Yi Peng 3 is the prime suspect.
Can Trump’s Tariffs Slow Down China’s Push to Lead High-tech Supply Chains?
By Yingfan Chen and Dingding Chen
With the incoming president's renewed threats of massive tariffs on China, it’s worth revisiting whether such policies actually achieve the desired result.
‘America First’ and Threading the Needle on Tech Sovereignty
By Corey Lee Bell and Elena Collinson
A disproportionately hardline policy from the incoming Trump administration could ultimately see a more isolated U.S. lose the tech war, and a great deal more.
Talks With North Korea Will be Troublesome for Trump
By Troy Stangarone
A second Trump administration is likely to find engaging North Korea more complex this time, thanks to drastically reduced leverage.
What the Chagos Islands Deal Means for France’s Indian Ocean Territories and Indo-Pacific Strategy
By Paco Milhiet
The Mauritius-U.K. deal will likely draw attention to France, another European sovereign state with contested territories in the Indian Ocean region like Tromelin Island.
The BRICS Summit in Kazan and the Limits of Western Influence
By Dilnoza Ubaydullaeva
While it may not yet be a powerful alliance, BRICS has the potential to be an attractive alternative for the countries of the Global South to pursue their national interests.
What’s Driving North Korea’s Unstoppable Military Buildup?
By Takahashi Kosuke
Facing a security dilemma, the Indo-Pacific region needs dialogue and de-escalation, not further confrontation and escalating tensions.
What a Trump Re-election Would Mean for Taiwan
By Claus Soong
The Republican candidate has needled Taipei about its reliance on the United States, but Taiwan can still count on U.S. support if Trump returns to the White House.
Ahead of US Presidential Election, North Korea Launches ICBM
By Mitch Shin
Just after the South Korean defense minister met his counterpart in Washington, North Korea tested an intercontinental ballistic missile.
China, North Korea Hold Talks With Russia Amid Reports of North Korean Troop Deployments
By Shannon Tiezzi
With concern mounting over the 10,000 North Korean soldiers reportedly sent to Russia, North Korea's foreign minister went to Moscow while Russia's deputy foreign minister was in Beijing.
BRICS Summit Was a Vote of Support for Global Governance Reform, Not for Russia
By Vanshika Saraf
Ideological politics is not on the agenda for these states, but economics, climate, and food security are.
Why Taiwan Should be Disheartened by Iran’s Missile Strike on Israel
By Yang Xiaotong
Taiwan has considered acquiring its own “Iron Dome,” but it is likely to be even less effective against China than it has been against Iran.