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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.
US, China Near Agreement on North Korean Sanctions
By Shannon Tiezzi
Nearly two months after Pyongyang's nuclear test, UN Security Council is finally close to agreeing on a response.
What Is THAAD, What Does It Do, and Why Is China Mad About It?
By Ankit Panda
Hint: It's not about the THAAD interceptor missiles themselves.
China Warns THAAD Deployment Could Destroy South Korea Ties 'in an Instant'
By Shannon Tiezzi
China's ambassador to South Korea sends a dire warning about the impact of THAAD on bilateral ties.
India Is Making a Move on the South China Sea
By Harsh V. Pant
Make no mistake: India is charting a new course on South China Sea.
US Admiral: ‘China Seeks Hegemony in East Asia’
By Franz-Stefan Gady
The head of U.S. PACOM wants more attack subs and long-range missiles to counter Chinese expansion in the Asia-Pacific.
China’s South China Sea Missile Deployment: Why Americans Object
By Denny Roy
The U.S. has good reason to be concerned about the new anti-aircraft missile system on Woody Island.
Japan's Foreign Minister Cancels Plans to Visit China
By Ankit Panda
Japanese Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida is calling off his plans to visit China this spring.
Report: US Considered Direct Talks With North Korea Before Nuclear Test
By Ankit Panda
Plus, Raheel Sharif checks up on CPEC, Saab Gripens to India, and more. Defense and security reads.
Declassified: US Attempts to Rein in Chiang Ching-kuo's Nuclear Ambitions
By Ankit Panda
The Carter administration had to make sure Taiwan didn't renege on a 1976 nuclear pledge.
Did China’s Military Drone Technology Espionage Pay Off in the End?
By Robert Farley
Just how much information on U.S. military drones did China have to steal for its own designs?
Time to Rethink US and South Korean Approaches to North Korea
By Dingding Chen
In approaching North Korea, doing the same thing over and over with sanctions simply won't work.
Iran Deal, NPT and the Norms of Nuclear Non-Proliferation
By Arka Biswas
The Iran deal has serious implications for the nuclear non-proliferation architecture.