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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.
China’s Maritime Expansion: Contradictory Threat Analyses from the US Government?
By Greg Austin
It would be useful if U.S. officials positing a Chinese threat were to take steps to better substantiate their claim.
Indonesia Summons Chinese Ambassador After South China Sea Stand-Off Near Natuna Islands
By Ankit Panda
Bold action by a Chinese coast guard vessel to retrieve a fishing vessel has led to a major incident between Jakarta and Beijing.
Revisiting Hanoi's Public Diplomacy Efforts During the Vietnam War
By Robert Farley
The North Vietnamese government lobbied extensively to rally international support to its cause during the 60s and 70s.
Sino-US Cooperation Over North Korea Is Now More Important Than Ever
By Franz-Stefan Gady
No matter how distasteful, Beijing and Washington have a vested interest in stable relations with Pyongyang.
South China Sea: Coming Chinese Land Reclamation at Scarborough Shoal?
By Ankit Panda
The top U.S. naval officer has expressed concerns that China may be expanding its presence at Scarborough Shoal.
What’s Behind China’s ‘New’ South China Sea Tsunami Warning Center?
By Prashanth Parameswaran
A look at what this might mean.
Argentina Coast Guard Sinks Chinese Fishing Boat
By Ankit Panda
The Chinese vessel was found in a restricted area and attempted a collision maneuver, according to authorities.
Why Putin Is Withdrawing (Some) Troops From Syria
By Franz-Stefan Gady
Putin’s short-term military intervention to achieve limited political aims has ostensibly succeeded.
China-Taiwan Relations: Toward an Improved Cross-Strait Status Quo
By David J. Firestein
The status quo around the cross-Strait issue is failing the United States, even as it is failing Taiwan and the PRC.
North Korea Threatens Nuclear Warhead, Ballistic Missile Testing
By Ankit Panda
North Korea is gearing up for another round of highly destabilizing weapons tests.
A Malaysia ‘Pushback’ Against China in the South China Sea?
By Prashanth Parameswaran
Potential change in the country's South China Sea policy needs to be put into perspective.
India-China Border: Another PLA Incursion?
By Ankit Panda
Plus, the OPM breach, Japan's navy in Southeast Asia, and North Korea's compact nuclear weapon. Security reads you may have missed.