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.
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.
Philippines v. China: Decision to Be Released on July 12, 2016
By Ankit Panda
The highly anticipated verdict will offer clarity on maritime entitlements in the Spratly Islands.
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?
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.