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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.
US Navy Destroyers Patrol Near China’s Man-Made Islands in South China Sea
By Franz-Stefan Gady
The United States tries to signal resolve ahead of a court ruling on Chinese territorial claims in the South China Sea.
Kim Jong-un Gets Called Out in New US Sanctions. Now What?
By Ankit Panda
How will North Korea react to the U.S. slapping sanctions on Kim Jong-un?
Are China and Russia Holding Joint Military Drills in the South China Sea?
By Franz-Stefan Gady
Discussions are under way between Chinese and Russians officials to conduct a naval exercise in the disputed waters.
It's Official: 8,400 US Troops Will Remain in Afghanistan Beyond 2016
By Ankit Panda
The number represents a modest decrease from current levels, but an increase over the planned 5,500.
Delhi and Hanoi Get Serious About the Supersonic BrahMos Missile (And More)
By Harsh V. Pant
Amid a great competition between Asia's two large powers, does India see Vietnam as China sees Pakistan?
Chinese and Japanese Fighter Jets Come Close to Dogfight in East China Sea
By Franz-Stefan Gady
Japanese aircraft purportedly used fire-control radars to lock onto two PLAAF warplanes flying over the East China Sea.
Before International Court Verdict, China Plans Week-Long South China Sea Military Exercises
By Ankit Panda
The exercises will conclude the day before the highly anticipated verdict in the Philippines' arbitration against China.
Why China Won’t Stop Island Building in the South China Sea
By Frederick Kuo
China’s island building is aimed at securing a weak link in its maritime trade networks.
Why Southeast Asian Countries Avoid Tilting Too Far Toward the US
By Hunter Marston
Despite more U.S. engagement, Southeast Asian countries are getting better at hedging.
Why Russia and Japan Can’t Solve the Kuril Islands Dispute
By Sarah Lohschelder
The deadlock is rooted in the entrenched positions of both sides.
US, Japan, South Korea Conduct Joint Missile Drill
By Prashanth Parameswaran
The three countries hold a coordinated live ballistic target tracking event after a series of test firings by North Korea.
South Korea's Shipbuilding Crisis
By Robert Farley
Can the South Korean state arrest what looks to be an imminent crisis in the shipbuilding industry?