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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.
For First Time Since 2004, Chinese Warship Enters Japanese Territorial Sea in East China Sea
By Ankit Panda
The incident marks the second-ever entry by a Chinese warship into Japan's territorial sea.
ASEAN Foreign Ministers Issue, Then Retract Communique Referencing South China Sea
By Ankit Panda
The statement didn't contain language drastically different from recent declarations, but was issued inside China.
Afghanistan, Pakistan Move Heavy Weapons and Troops to Khyber Pass
By Franz-Stefan Gady
One Afghan soldier and one Pakistani officer have been killed and 22 wounded in clashes at Torkham Border crossing.
Why the Mormon Church Benefits from Good US-China Ties
By Robert Farley
The Mormon church's success in Asia has largely coincided with the ebbs and flows of U.S. power in the region.
Indonesia To Coordinate South China Sea Policy Ahead of Court Verdict
By Prashanth Parameswaran
President Jokowi asks ministries to formulate uniformed position to ‘have the same answers.’
That Chinese Frigate in the Senkakus Was a Bad Move for China
By Steven Stashwick
Is China escalating in the East China Sea, or tipping its hand?
France Leads Europe's Changing Approach to Asian Security Issues
By Valérie Niquet
The French defense minister's speech at the Shangri-La Dialogue symbolized a new paradigm for the EU.
Confronting Threats in the Sulu-Sulawesi Seas: Opportunities and Challenges
By Prashanth Parameswaran
Tackling the manifold problems in the tri-border area will require some heavy lifting by concerned states.
Reality Check: The South China Sea Does Not Define the US-China Relationship
By Dingding Chen
The relationship between the world's two most important countries is far broader than the South China Sea disputes.
India and the US Overcome the Hesitations of History
By Harsh V. Pant
The Indian prime minister was at his best before the U.S. Congress.
Crimea and the South China Sea: Russia and China Grasp for Support
By Casey Michel
Only a handful of countries side with both Moscow and Beijing on their respective controversial territorial claims.
A First: Chinese Naval Vessel Enters Senkaku Contiguous Zone in East China Sea
By Ankit Panda
Previously, China had only sent its coast guard into Japan's territorial sea and contiguous zone.