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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 Hollow South China Sea Consensus With ASEAN Laggards
By Prashanth Parameswaran
While Beijing’s four-point consensus is a notable diplomatic move, its substance is rather hollow.
Will China Begin Scarborough Shoal Reclamation After Hague Verdict on South China Sea?
By Ankit Panda
Scarborough Shoal was seized by China in 2012. Reclamation there would be unusually provocative.
North Korea Tests Solid-Fuel Submarine-Launched Ballistic Missile
By Ankit Panda
North Korea's submarine-launched ballistic missiles are making steady progress.
The South China Sea: Vietnam's Limited Diplomatic Options
By Du Nhat Dang
Russia, the United States, Japan -- who can help Vietnam square off against China?
Did China Really Test a MIRV-Capable ICBM Near the South China Sea?
By Ankit Panda
Plus, India-China relations, India-Pakistan SLBM woes, and anti-corruption in the Pakistani military.
The Implications of the Taliban’s Spring Offensive on Afghanistan
By Abdul Basit
It’s shaping up to be a tough few months for Afghanistan’s increasingly beleaguered government.
Did Russia Just Side With China on the South China Sea?
By Anton Tsvetov
Analyzing Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's recent remarks on the South China Sea.
Russia, India, China Address South China Sea in Trilateral Statement
By Ankit Panda
The statement cautions against the internationalization of the disputes.
Do the Obama Administration and PACOM Disagree on the South China Sea?
By Robert Farley
And does it really matter if they do?
Foreign Ministers of Russia, India, China Meet in Moscow
By Ankit Panda
Russia, India, and China meet regularly to confer and exchange views on regional and global issues.
After Failed Musudan Launch, Will North Korea Conduct a Fifth Nuclear Test?
By Ankit Panda
After a failed ballistic missile launch, Kim Jong-un may be looking to test a fifth nuclear device.
What 2 Russian Jets Can Teach Us About a US-China Clash in the South China Sea
By Steven Stashwick
The ‘buzzing’ of a U.S. warship in the Baltic shows why we shouldn’t exaggerate risk of conflict.