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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.
South China Sea: China's Surveillance Drones Make it to Woody Island
By Ankit Panda
China's BZK-005 surveillance drone has been spotted on Woody Island. Is it there to stay?
South China Sea Deployment: Indian Stealth Warships Visit Vietnam
By Franz-Stefan Gady
Two Indian warships have arrived at Cam Ranh Bay on a four day port visit.
Actually, China Is Not Building a 'Great Wall of Self-Isolation'
By Dingding Chen
On the contrary, China’s rise in Asia poses both opportunities and challenges to the region.
South China Sea: Indonesian Navy Fires at and Arrests Chinese Fishermen
By Ankit Panda
Indonesia and China could be on the verge of another diplomatic stand-off over the Natuna Islands.
Obama’s Visit to Vietnam: A Turning Point?
By Carl Thayer
The visit did result in the lifting of the arms embargo, but the context is far wider.
With Arms Embargo Lifted, What's On Vietnam's Shopping List?
By Robert Farley
With the arms embargo finally lifted, what might Vietnam look to purchase?
Prime Minister: Vietnam Won’t Pursue Military Buildup in the South China Sea
By Franz-Stefan Gady
Vietnamese Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc said that Vietnam will not pursue a military buildup in the South China.
5 Navy Officers Sentenced to Death in Pakistan for Trying to Attack US Warship
By Franz-Stefan Gady
The five officers allegedly tried to steal a Pakistani warship to attack a U.S. naval vessel.
China Builds Space-Monitoring Base in the Americas
By Victor Robert Lee
Critics in Argentina say sovereign territory has been turned over to China’s PLA.
South Korea, Japan to Hold Missile Defense Drill in June
By Franz-Stefan Gady
The drill will take place before the 2016 RIMPAC maritime warfare exercise off Hawaii.
What the US Can Learn From Its Own History About a Naval Logistics Agreement With India
By James R. Holmes
How would the United States have seen LEMOA 69 years out from its independence?
South China Sea: The Real Questions About US ‘Freedom of Navigation’ Operations
By Graham Webster
What does the U.S. government wish to accomplish with its South China Sea policy?