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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.
Cuarteron Reef’s New Radar: The China Coast Guard’s Best New Toy?
By Steven Stashwick
Worry over the radar’s military implications should take a backseat to its civil uses.
Why Taiwan and China Agree on South China Sea Sovereignty
By Ryan Mitchell
To understand today’s conflicts, it is essential to look at the region’s colonial history.
Did China Vessels Encroach Malaysia’s Waters?
By Prashanth Parameswaran
Malaysia’s defense minister appears to contradict earlier official reports.
New Radar Facility: Japan Expands Military Presence in East China Sea
By Franz-Stefan Gady
The new surveillance station will be capable of monitoring Chinese activities in the East China Sea.
Russia to Deploy Missile Systems on Kuril Islands
By Franz-Stefan Gady
Moscow is allegedly also exploring whether the islands could serve as a naval base for its Pacific fleet.
North Korea Propaganda Video Shows Nuclear Strike on Washington DC
By Ankit Panda
Plus, RIMPAC 2016 and China, India-Pakistan spy games, and the China-Indonesia stand-off in the Natunas. Links.
Can Washington and New Delhi Find Common Ground on Intellectual Property?
By Robert Farley
Intellectual property represents a big asymmetric advantage for U.S. economic competitiveness.
South China Sea: China Has Deployed Anti-Ship Missiles on Woody Island
By Ankit Panda
The People's Liberation Army-Navy's YJ-62 anti-ship cruise missile is now on Woody Island.
China’s Rift With Indonesia in the Natunas: Harbinger of Worse to Come?
By Ristian A. Supriyanto, Shahriman Lockman and Koh Swee Lean Collin
A closer look at the Chinese ship involved in the incident suggests some worrying signs about what to expect from Beijing.
Will Indonesia’s South China Sea Policy Change Amid China’s Assertiveness?
By Prashanth Parameswaran
A closer look at how Jakarta’s approach might (and might not) shift.
Is North Korea Fighting for Assad in Syria?
By Franz-Stefan Gady
Two North Korean militias are fighting for Bashar al-Assad the Syrian opposition claims.
South China Sea: China Slams US-Philippines Rotational Basing Agreement
By Ankit Panda
China cites the announcement of U.S. access to Philippines bases as evidence of militarization in the South China Sea.