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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.
Iranian Navy Holds US Navy Sailors in the Persian Gulf
By Ankit Panda
10 U.S. sailors were detained by the Iranian Navy on Tuesday after entering Iran's territorial waters.
4 Myths About North Korea
By Dingding Chen
In order to successfully approach North Korea, steer clear of these unhelpful myths.
With Arak Reactor Core Filled, 'Implementation Day' of the Iran Deal Approaches
By Ankit Panda
Iran has removed the core of the IR-40 heavy water reactor at Arak.
Deciphering China’s Armed Intrusion Near the Senkaku Islands
By Ryan D. Martinson
The appearance of an armed Coast Guard ship gives Japanese authorities plenty to ponder.
US Sends B-52 Bomber Over South Korea in Response to Pyongyang’s Nuclear Test
By Franz-Stefan Gady
The low-level flight occurred on January 9 in the vicinity of Osan, South Korea.
India’s Terror Dilemmas: Responding to the Pathankot Atrocity
By Harsh V. Pant
After the Pathankot attack, India's counter-terror policy and competency should come under the microscope.
A False Start for Sino-Pakistani JF-17 Thunder?
By Benjamin David Baker
Malaysia publically declares that it is not considering the JF-17. How come?
South China Sea: The Story of the Tanmen Fishermen
By Zhang Hongzhou
Local fishermen are often on the front lines of the South China Sea disputes.
What If Japan Had Won The Battle of Midway?
By Benjamin David Baker
One of the most decisive battles of the Second World War could have ended up very differently. Be glad it didn’t though.
Evaluating Taiwan’s National Power
By David Gitter and Robert Sutter
Despite a persistent security threat from China, the island’s greatest problem is domestic political wrangling.
North Korea Tests Nuclear Device, Claims Successful Thermonuclear Detonation
By Ankit Panda
On Wednesday, North Korea conducted its first nuclear test since 2013, claiming to have tested its first thermonuclear device.
Everything You Wanted to Know About the USS Lassen's FONOP in the South China Sea
By Ankit Panda
U.S. Defense Secretary Ashton Carter finally comes out with a comprehensive account of the USS Lassen's FONOP.