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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.
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.
Asia Pivot: Does the US Need to ‘Rebalance Harder’?
By Graham Webster
The Obama White House is realistically out of time to articulate a newly integrated vision for the Asia-Pacific region.
Japan's Fearsome World War II-Era 'Zero' Fighter Takes to the Skies
By Ankit Panda
Plus, U.S. officials revise their opinion on North Korea's nuclear test, India steps up cyber cooperation, and more. Links.
Is North Korea Preparing to Launch A Long-Range Ballistic Missile?
By Franz-Stefan Gady
The North could launch a long-range missile within a couple of days, according to media reports.
Why George Soros Is Wrong About the Chinese Economy's 'Hard Landing'
By Dingding Chen
China’s economy is slowing down, but a hard landing is unlikely.
Why Did Russian Nuclear-Capable Bombers Circumnavigate Japan?
By Ankit Panda
Continued Russian bomber flybys near Japanese airspace suggest that the bilateral relationship remains cool.
The 10 Young Chinese Foreign Policy Scholars You Should Know
By Dingding Chen
In 20 years, this group of scholars will shape China’s foreign policy.
China and Indonesia: Joint Cyber War Simulations
By Greg Austin
An important diplomatic precedent for collaboration.
Australia, Thailand Mull New Terror Pact Amid Islamic State Fears
By Prashanth Parameswaran
Bangkok and Canberra plan to boost counterterrorism cooperation.