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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.
China’s Live-Fire Exercises Between Australia and New Zealand Spark Soul-Searching
By Donald R. Rothwell
China didn’t violate any rules with its live-fire naval exercises. So, why are Australia and New Zealand so worried?
Philippines Removed From Watchdog’s Money-laundering ‘Grey List’
By Sebastian Strangio
The Financial Action Task Force has also added Laos and Nepal to its list of nations subject to "increased monitoring."
The Myth of a ‘Reverse Kissinger’: Why Aligning With Russia to Counter China Is a Strategic Illusion
By Jianli Yang
Any U.S. attempt to align with Russia to counterbalance China lacks the geopolitical, economic, and strategic foundation necessary for success.
What Trump’s Tilt Toward Russia Means for China
By Vita Golod
The U.S. and China are both effectively pushing Ukraine back into Russia’s sphere of influence – but Beijing’s approach suddenly looks more reasonable in comparison.
Did the US Just Change Its Taiwan Policy?
By Bruce Xin Tao
Updates to a State Department factsheet on Taiwan could indicate a tactical adjustment or a strategic shift.
The Sea People of Southeast Asia: Forgotten Guardians of Maritime Security
By Dadang I K Mujiono
The Sea People are not relics of the past, nor are they obstacles to development.
Trump’s Ukraine Peace Gambit: Consequences for Taiwan’s Security
By Zi Yang
The settlement of the Ukraine conflict in a manner reminiscent of the 1938 Munich Agreement could entice more states to resolve disputes militarily. Taiwan especially looks ever more vulnerable.
Does Anyone Care About the Climate Crisis in Tibet?
By Jagannath Panda
The CCP’s religious and cultural repression on the Tibetan Plateau is also feeding an ecological crisis. The response from the world has been a deafening silence.
Will Kim Jong Un Meet Trump Again?
By Mitch Shin
Pyongyang has made clear its nuclear weapons are no longer negotiable but its strategy can be recalibrated depending on Washington’s approach.
How the US Could Undermine Its Biggest Advantage Over China
By Antonio José Pagán Sánchez
The U.S. alliance network is its greatest advantage in the competition with China. But Washington can hardly count on its allies if it treats them worse than the way it treats its systemic rival.
US Tech Companies Embrace AI ‘Arms Race’ With China – and the Money It Brings
By Shannon Hong
U.S. tech CEOs have a clear financial interest in hyping the AI arms race, and the Trump administration is inclined to agree with that framing.
The Next Phase of the China-US Trade War Has Begun
By Shannon Tiezzi
As Trump's new 10 percent tariffs on all Chinese imports took effect, China hit back with tariffs and sanctions of its own.