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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.
Without Foreign Military Tech, Where Would China's Military Be?
By Robert Farley
The overwhelming majority of Chinese technology depends on systems acquired from foreign producers.
Largest Ever US-Korea Military Drill Focuses on Striking North Korea’s Leadership
By Franz-Stefan Gady
South Korea and the U.S. kicked off the annual Key Resolve and Foal Eagle military exercises this Monday.
China’s Threat to Commercial Shipping in the South China Sea
By Greg Austin
The Soviet precedent.
Satellite Imagery: China Expands Land Filling at North Island in the Paracels
By Victor Robert Lee
Satellite images also show dredging of a new harbor basin.
It's Official: US, South Korea Begin Talks on THAAD
By Shannon Tiezzi
A joint working group to discuss the U.S. missile defense system held its first meeting on Friday.
US Carrier Strike Group Arrives in South China Sea to Deter China
By Franz-Stefan Gady
The carrier strike group is conducting ‘routine operations' in the South China Sea, according to U.S. Navy officials.
Indonesia Will Not Join US Anti-ISIS Coalition: Envoy
By Prashanth Parameswaran
Jakarta unlikely to be part of the grouping in the foreseeable future.
Is This the United States' Grand Plan for Responding to China in the South China Sea?
By Ankit Panda
Is the United States building a coalition of democracies to preserve order and international law in the South China Sea?
Report: Chinese Coast Guard Vessels Take Over Spratly Island Feature From Philippines
By Ankit Panda
Chinese coast guard vessels have expelled Filipino fishermen from Jackson Shoal in the South China Sea.
Singapore Wants to Defuse South China Sea Tensions With Naval Protocol
By Prashanth Parameswaran
City-state suggests expanding CUES to lower the temperature over simmering disputes.
South China Sea Militarization: Not All Islands Are Created Equal
By Shannon Tiezzi
What China's deployments to Woody Island mean -- and what they don't mean.
A Great Leap to Nowhere: Remembering the US-North Korea 'Leap Day' Deal
By Ankit Panda
Four years ago, the United States thought it had made a breakthrough with the new Kim in town. It was wrong.