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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.
The Implications of the Taliban’s Spring Offensive on Afghanistan
By Abdul Basit
It’s shaping up to be a tough few months for Afghanistan’s increasingly beleaguered government.
Did Russia Just Side With China on the South China Sea?
By Anton Tsvetov
Analyzing Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's recent remarks on the South China Sea.
Russia, India, China Address South China Sea in Trilateral Statement
By Ankit Panda
The statement cautions against the internationalization of the disputes.
Do the Obama Administration and PACOM Disagree on the South China Sea?
By Robert Farley
And does it really matter if they do?
Foreign Ministers of Russia, India, China Meet in Moscow
By Ankit Panda
Russia, India, and China meet regularly to confer and exchange views on regional and global issues.
After Failed Musudan Launch, Will North Korea Conduct a Fifth Nuclear Test?
By Ankit Panda
After a failed ballistic missile launch, Kim Jong-un may be looking to test a fifth nuclear device.
What 2 Russian Jets Can Teach Us About a US-China Clash in the South China Sea
By Steven Stashwick
The ‘buzzing’ of a U.S. warship in the Baltic shows why we shouldn’t exaggerate risk of conflict.
Australian Intelligence: China Poised to Take 'Decisive and Provocative' Action in the South China Sea
By Carl Thayer
U.S. and Australian intelligence agencies voice concern about China's recent moves in the South China Sea.
Is the Afghan Taliban's Leadership Finally Coalescing Once Again?
By Ankit Panda
Several leaders of the Islamic State's Afghanistan operation have returned to the Taliban.
Taliban Launch Spring Offensive in Afghanistan
By Franz-Stefan Gady
The Taliban promise large-scale attacks, assassinations, and a war of attrition during this year’s fighting season.
India and United States Agree to Deepen Military Ties, Technology Collaboration
By Franz-Stefan Gady
New Delhi and Washington pledged to collaborate more closely on defense in a recently issued joint statement.
China Protests as G7 Ministers Express Concern Regarding East, South China Seas
By Ankit Panda
The Chinese foreign ministry strongly condemned the G7 ministers' statement in Hiroshima.