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.
December 29, 2021
Asia Keeps Omicron at Bay, but a Surge May Be Inevitable
By Huizhong Wu
Cases are mounting, and experts say the next few months will be critical.
December 22, 2021
What Will North Korean Cybercrime Look Like in 2022?
By Jason Bartlett
The COVID-19 pandemic has contributed to increased online spending which Pyongyang and other illicit actors will likely continue to exploit.
December 20, 2021
A Strategic Response to China’s Economic Coercion
By Emily Kilcrease, Emily Jin, and Rachel Ziemba
China is the most willing to deploy the widest range of economic tools in response to a geopolitical conflict. What can the U.S. do?
December 18, 2021
Private Players Present New Complications for Space Governance
By Rajeswari Pillai Rajagopalan
Private companies bring some benefits to space developments, but also add to governance challenges.
December 15, 2021
What Does Asia’s Omicron Response Reveal About the Region’s Approach to Africa?
By Ferdinando Cinotto
The U.S. and European countries implemented prejudicial travel bans targeting Southern Africa. Has Asia followed suit?
December 14, 2021
Is Taiwan’s International Space Expanding or Contracting?
By Gerrit van der Wees
Last week illustrated two opposing trends: Taiwan lost a diplomatic ally in Nicaragua, but had the spotlight at the U.S. Summit for Democracy.
December 03, 2021
Afghanistan’s Taliban, Myanmar’s Tatmadaw Denied UN Seats, For Now
By Catherine Putz
The Taliban and the junta in Myanmar will remain outside the halls of the United Nations for now.
December 02, 2021
Is China Stacking the Technology Deck by Setting International Standards?
By Danny Russel and Blake Berger
Though often overshadowed by China’s advances in technology, the state-directed strategy to set technological standards will have a lasting impact.
December 01, 2021
Even Duterte Can’t Get Around the Thorn in China-Philippine Relations
By Bonnie Girard
The South China Sea continues to be a perennial flashpoint, despite Duterte's best efforts to keep relations on an even keel.
November 26, 2021
Nuclear Proliferation Concerns in East Asia: Beyond North Korea
By Hart Rapaport
The nuclear situation in East Asia is more nuanced than the actions of a single nation.
November 23, 2021
Changing the Discourse on China’s Taiwan Policy
By KAWASHIMA Shin
There has been much talk of an invasion. Time for a closer look.
November 19, 2021
Russian ASAT Test Highlights Urgent Need for Space Governance Negotiations
By Rajeswari Pillai Rajagopalan
The absence of earnest multilateral discussions could send more states down the path of space weaponization, making access to space increasingly tricky.