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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.
Narendra Modi Was in Southeast Asia. Did He Act East?
By Harsh V. Pant
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi was in Malaysia and Singapore last week. What did he accomplish?
Take Notice, Asia: China's Military Is Getting Leaner and More Lethal
By Dingding Chen
Reforms to the People's Liberation Army will help the Chinese military emerge as a more potent war-fighting force.
Japan Set to Boost East China Sea Troop Presence
By Ankit Panda
Japan will likely deploy 500 troops to Ishigaki island, 90 nautical miles from the disputed Senkaku/Diaoyu Islands.
Does India Have Lessons for China and the South China Sea?
By Mercedes Page
Beijing can learn a thing or two from how New Delhi has managed maritime disputes with its neighbors.
The Importance of the Joint Statement on the US-ASEAN Strategic Partnership
By Ben Schreer and Sheryn Lee
The elevated relationship sends a clear message to China.
China's Military Just Got a Big Structural Shakeup
By Ankit Panda
Plus, cost overrun and due diligence in Afghanistan, Mischief Reef updates, and more. Thanksgiving weekend links.
A New Confidence-Building Process for the South China Sea?
By Bill Hayton
Confidence-building over the South China Sea isn't easy, but a recent meeting in Vietnam shows that it is possible.
Arguments Open in Philippine Case Against China's South China Sea Claims
By Shannon Tiezzi
After winning a victory on the issue of jurisdiction, Manila moves to arguments about the merits of its case.
Ever Wonder How China Got Back Into International Diplomacy After the Cultural Revolution?
By Robert Farley
China's successful entry into the international scene after the Cultural Revolution bears lessons for other pariah states.
US Cyber Command’s Veiled Threat: China ‘Vulnerable’ in Cyberspace
By Franz-Stefan Gady
U.S. Admiral Mike Rogers hints at retaliatory cyber strikes should China continue malicious hacks.
Military Facilities Aren't Militarization in the South China Sea: Chinese Deputy Foreign Minister
By Ankit Panda
What does China mean when it speaks about militarization in the South China Sea?
Next US Navy South China Sea Freedom of Navigation Operation: Mischief Reef
By Ankit Panda
The U.S. Navy will likely sail within 12 nautical miles of Mischief Reef soon.