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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.
North Korea Threatens Nuclear Warhead, Ballistic Missile Testing
By Ankit Panda
North Korea is gearing up for another round of highly destabilizing weapons tests.
A Malaysia ‘Pushback’ Against China in the South China Sea?
By Prashanth Parameswaran
Potential change in the country's South China Sea policy needs to be put into perspective.
India-China Border: Another PLA Incursion?
By Ankit Panda
Plus, the OPM breach, Japan's navy in Southeast Asia, and North Korea's compact nuclear weapon. Security reads you may have missed.
Did Obama's 'Red Line' Fib Matter in the End?
By Robert Farley
The importance of credibility in international affairs is often overestimated.
How Chinese Analysts Understand Taiwan’s Geostrategic Significance
By David Gitter
As the world fixates on the South China Sea, Chinese describe Taiwan as the regional key.
Can China’s ‘One Belt, One Road’ Save the US in Afghanistan?
By Andi Zhou
Expanding China’s direct interests in Afghanistan would open new avenues for U.S.-China cooperation there.
Cooperation Is the Only Way Ahead for US-China Relations
By Dingding Chen
A prominent IR scholar in China argues that Beijing should maintain a cooperative approach toward Washington.
Will the US Station Long-Range Heavy Bombers in Australia?
By Franz-Stefan Gady
The United States wants to temporally station heavy bombers and aerial tankers in Northern Australia.
What US Intelligence Thinks About China’s Militarization of the South China Sea
By Franz-Stefan Gady
In a letter, the head of the U.S. intelligence community offers insights into China’s activities in the South China Sea.
Has North Korea Finally Miniaturized a Nuclear Device?
By Ankit Panda
For the first time, North Korea has released images purporting to show a miniaturized, ICBM-ready nuclear device.
After Djibouti Base, China Eyes Additional Overseas Military 'Facilities'
By Ankit Panda
China's foreign minister hints at an expansion of Chinese bases beyond just Djibouti. That shouldn't be a surprise.
Russia's Intervention in Syria and the Kurdish Question
By Wladimir van Wilgenburg
It is likely that both Russia and the United States will continue to support Syrian Kurds.