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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.
Malaysia Slams China’s South China Sea Encroachments
By Prashanth Parameswaran
The country’s deputy prime minister takes aim at Beijing’s actions.
How Will Myanmar's Elections Affect Relations With China?
By Dingding Chen
How will Myanmar's new government affect relations between it and China?
Carrier Wars: Imagine a US Navy Without the F/A-18 Super Hornet
By Robert Farley
What would a U.S. Navy without the F/A-18 Super Hornet look like?
With Afghanistan, 'Nuclear Deal' on Agenda, Pakistan's Army Chief Visits the United States
By Ankit Panda
General Raheel Sharif will visit the United States this week, with a broad agenda.
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.