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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.
Indonesia-China Tensions in the Natuna Sea: Evidence of Naval Efficacy Over Coast Guards?
By Lyle Morris
Indonesian authorities have seen the value of using Navies in illegal fishing contingencies. Is that a wise idea?
A Strange Cold War Partnership: North Korea and Guyana
By Robert Farley
What did North Korea and Guyana want of each other during the height of the Cold War?
Indonesia Fighter Jets Intercept Malaysia Military Aircraft Over Natunas
By Prashanth Parameswaran
Incident comes amid South China Sea tensions in the area between Jakarta and Beijing.
Amjad Sabri's Killing, Religious Intolerance, and Pakistan’s New Era of Militancy
By Michael Kugelman
Anti-state terror campaigns have weakened, but anti-society militancy is gaining steam.
Did a US ‘Line in the Sand’ at Scarborough Shoal Just Wash Away?
By Steven Stashwick
Philippine President-elect saying no to war with China over disputed shoal complicates U.S. deterrence effort.
Post-Brexit, What Are the Geopolitical and Economic Consequences for Asia?
By Ankit Panda
The United Kingdom has voted to leave the European Union. How will that affect Asia?
China's Curious South China Sea Negotiation Policy
By David A. Welch
What would China expect to achieve with bilateral negotiations on maritime disputes?
Exclusive: China’s South China Sea Statement That Divided ASEAN
By Prashanth Parameswaran
A first look at the content of the “ten-point consensus” Beijing proposed at the recent ASEAN-China meeting.
North Korea's Musudan Missile Test Actually Succeeded. What Now?
By Ankit Panda
North Korea claims its sixth Musudan missile test this year was a success. Why does that matter?
Are Chinese Cyberattacks Against US Targets in Decline?
By Franz-Stefan Gady
A new report argues that there has been a decline in the number of Chinese cyberattacks against U.S. targets.
North Korea Just Test Launched 2 More Musudan Missiles. Here's Why That Matters
By Ankit Panda
Pyongyang just test launched its fifth and sixth Musudans of 2016.
Japan Extends Anti-Piracy Mission off Somalia For Another Year
By Franz-Stefan Gady
Two Japanese destroyers and two maritime patrol aircraft will continue their anti-piracy mission into 2017.