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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.
Declassified: US Nuclear Weapons at Sea During the Cold War
By Robert Farley
Not long ago, the U.S. Navy remained on high-alert for a nuclear engagement at sea.
Russian Submarine Activity at Highest Level Since Cold War
By Franz-Stefan Gady
NATO says Russian submarine activity has returned to Cold War levels. What about the Pacific?
Chinese Media: Our Artificial Islands Are Better Than Vietnam's
By Shannon Tiezzi
A Chinese media report claims that Vietnamese land reclamation on a Spratly reef was washed away in a typhoon.
Afghanistan Won’t Be Able to Pay for its Military Until 2024 (At Least)
By Franz-Stefan Gady
The top U.S. general in Afghanistan said that the Afghan economy will need financial support “at least” until 2020.
Can China Be Deterred in Cyber Space?
By Joseph Nye
Deterring state actors from attacks that do not reach the level of force is difficult.
2 Chinese Fighters Entered South Korea's Air Defense Identification Zone
By Ankit Panda
Was China trying to send a message?
Will Iran Keep Its Promises?
By Huseyn Panahov
An election this month will tell the story.
China Rejects Latest US FONOP in the South China Sea
By Shannon Tiezzi
The second U.S. FONOP had a different legal rationale than the first -- and sparked a different Chinese response.
Why India Transferred Attack Helicopters to Afghanistan
By Ankit Panda
India's attack helicopter transfer to Afghanistan suggests a new era in ties between New Delhi and Kabul.
Can the PLA Navy Make the Indian Ocean Chinese?
By Robert Farley
Does China need to dominate the Indian Ocean in order to have a world-class navy?
Return of the FONOP: US Navy Destroyer Asserts Freedom of Navigation in Paracel Islands
By Ankit Panda
On Saturday, the USS Curtis Wilbur sailed within 12 nautical miles of a disputed island in the Paracel Islands.
South Korea Eyes THAAD, China Urges ‘Caution’
By Shannon Tiezzi
South Korea is sending more positive signals on the U.S. missile defense system, to China's dismay.