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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.
Confirmed: China Deploys Missiles to Disputed South China Sea Island
By Shannon Tiezzi
U.S. and Taiwanese defense officials confirm reports that China set up missile defense systems on Woody Island.
US Deploys F-22 Stealth Fighters to South Korea to Deter Pyongyang
By Franz-Stefan Gady
The U.S. military flew four F-22 aircraft over South Korea amid growing tensions with North Korea.
Is China Considering a High-Risk Change to Its Nuclear Deterrence Posture?
By Ankit Panda
China may be considering putting its nuclear forces on alert.
Top US Spy Chief: China Still Successful in Cyber Espionage Against US
By Franz-Stefan Gady
China and Russia remain leading threats in cyberspace, the director of national intelligence said in front of Congress.
Afghanistan: Lessons Learned for the 2016 Fighting Season
By Shawn Snow
The situation is not all bad, but Afghan forces need to learn the lessons of 2015.
What the Pentagon Thinks About North Korea
By Ankit Panda
The Pentagon's 2015 report to Congress on North Korea offers insight into the country's military progress.
It's Time for an American Film Depicting the Chinese Theater of World War II
By Robert Farley
Why has Hollywood shied away from films about Sino-U.S. cooperation during the Second World War?
Decision in Philippines v. China Expected in May 2016
By Ankit Panda
Plus, updates on U.S.-India patrols, Asian defense spending rises, and more. Weekend security links.
Satellite Images: China Manufactures Land at New Sites in the Paracel Islands
By Victor Robert Lee
A new helicopter base is seen for the first time at Duncan Island in the South China Sea.
Taiwan’s South China Sea Dilemma
By Shang-su Wu
Taiwan’s position on the contested waters is linked to its very identity.
Strategic Culture and Cyberspace: Cyber Militias in Peacetime?
By Greg Austin
It's time to see how the concept of strategic culture can be used in understanding national approaches to cybersecurity.
Avoiding Landmines: Trajectory of the Japan-China Relationship in 2016
By J. Berkshire Miller
Can pragmatism win over antagonism in the Japan-China relationship in 2016?