Blog
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.
Did China Try Restricting US Bombers in the South China Sea?
By Ankit Panda
Two U.S. bombers were contacted by Chinese air traffic controllers over the South China Sea, but details are murky.
Would Indonesia Actually Challenge China's Nine-Dash Line in International Court?
By Shannon Tiezzi
Don't read too much into Luhut Panjaitan's comment about bringing the South China Sea issue to an international court.
Setting the Record Straight on US Freedom of Navigation Operations in the South China Sea
By Ankit Panda
Details on the late October FON operation have been slim, but they matter immensely.
Putin Sends Russian Military to North Korea
By Franz-Stefan Gady
A Russian military delegation is currently in Pyongyang talking to the Command of the Korean People’s Army.
In Pursuit of a Credible Nuclear Triad, India Successfully Tests Deadly ICBM
By Benjamin David Baker
India conducts another successful test flight of its Agni-IV ICBM. Does this mean Delhi has a credible nuclear triad?
Japan Warships Could Visit Vietnam Naval Base Near South China Sea in 2016
By Prashanth Parameswaran
Move marks another ‘first’ in Japan-Vietnam defense ties.
The Historic Xi-Ma Meeting: The Bigger Picture
By Dingding Chen
Many analysts have focused on the potential political calculations behind the meeting between Xi Jinping and Ma Ying-jeou. Time to look at the bigger picture.
Amid Tensions, US, China Assert South China Sea Positions
By Ankit Panda
Speaking on Saturday, Xi Jinping and Ashton Carter laid out their respective positions on the South China Sea.
Interview: Victor Robert Lee
By James Pach
“The USS Lassen’s sail-by at Subi Reef was too late in coming.”
How Will the US Air Force Pay For Its New Long Range Strike Bomber?
By Robert Farley
How will the U.S. Air Force pay for its newest advanced bomber?
After China, India Will Become Second Buyer of Advanced Russian S-400 Missile Defense Systems
By Ankit Panda
New Delhi's S-400 deal with Russia may be the largest defense deal ever between the two countries.
Why the US Navy's First South China Sea FONOP Wasn't a FONOP
By Timothy Choi
The USS Lassen may not have actually asserted high seas freedoms around Subi Reef.