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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.
A Quest for Best Practices: Trilateral Cooperation on Maritime Security in the Celebes Sea
By Lucky Wuwung
What models can Indonesia, Malaysia, and the Philippines follow for their new trilateral maritime cooperation?
How the US-India Defense Partnership Came to Blossom Under Modi
By Sourabh Gupta
As Ash Carter's recent trip to India highlights, U.S.-India defense ties are ready for a new era.
Will Rodrigo Duterte Improve China-Philippines Relations?
By Dingding Chen
We don't know yet, but there are signs pointing to a better China-Philippines relationship in the coming years.
How China Reacted to the Latest US South China Sea FONOP
By Ankit Panda
China's reaction to the latest U.S. freedom of navigation operation was unsurprisingly sour.
Iran Denies Testing Precision-Guided Ballistic Missile
By Franz-Stefan Gady
Iran’s defense minister disputes that a test-launch of a precision-guided missile with a 2,000 kilometer range occurred.
South China Sea: US Navy Destroyer Asserts Freedom of Navigation Near Fiery Cross Reef
By Ankit Panda
The USS William P. Lawrence conducted an innocent passage near Fiery Cross Reef.
The New Nationalism: 'Make My Country Great Again'
By Zheng Wang
Xi's China Dream meets Trump's "Make America Great Again."
In South Asia, Much Ado About F-16s
By Harsh V. Pant
Given the recent dispute over F-16s between Islamabad and Washington, what can New Delhi do?
Combat Mission Over, But US Remains at War in Afghanistan
By Ankit Panda
Details from the Pentagon's inquiry into the Battle for Kunduz in October 2015 highlight high combat involvement for U.S. forces.
When Would North Korea Look to Use Nuclear Weapons?
By Ankit Panda
An announcement during the Workers' Party Congress keeps the waters muddied on Pyongyang's intentions.
Can India Counter China’s Submarine Force?
By Pushan Das
Is the Indian Navy ready for the challenges posed by increased Chinese activity in the Indian Ocean?
5 Reasons Why India Agreed to a Logistics Agreement With the United States
By Rupakjyoti Borah
India's willingness to go for a logistics agreement with the United States is an important development.