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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 Congress Close to Passing New Sanctions on North Korea
By Shannon Tiezzi
Yesterday, the Senate unanimously passed a bill calling for tough new sanctions that could impact China as well.
On North Korea, US Policymakers Misunderstand the History Between Beijing and Pyongyang
By James Person
U.S. attempts to outsource its North Korea policy to China will fail. History shows us why.
US-India Patrols in the South China Sea? Maybe Not Just Yet
By Ankit Panda
India and the United States are talking about the South China Sea, but are they ready to hold joint patrols there?
India’s Growing Naval Might
By Harsh V. Pant
India's latest International Fleet Review highlights the growing importance of the maritime sphere for New Delhi.
Afghanistan to Start Peace Talks With Taliban By the End of February
By Franz-Stefan Gady
Representatives from four countries expect peace talks with the Taliban to begin by the end of this month.
North Korea's Kwangmyongsong Satellite Launch: What We Know and Don't Know
By Ankit Panda
North Korea's successful test of the Kwangmyongsong satellite launch vehicle raises questions about its ICBM progress.
Diplomats Scramble to React to North Korean Satellite Launch
By Ankit Panda
The United States and China remain divided on how to respond to North Korean provocations.
North Korea Launches Rocket; US, South Korea Consider THAAD
By Shannon Tiezzi
North Korea conducted a missile launch on Sunday, prompting outrage from Seoul and Washington.
Nuclear Instability in the Asia-Pacific Region?
By Francis P. Sempa
A new study reaches sobering conclusions on the potential for nuclear proliferation.
Afghanistan's NDS and Pakistan's ISI Give Cooperation Another Try
By Ankit Panda
Plus, India-U.S. carrier cooperation, Thailand's new OPV, and more. Weekend links.
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?