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.
China Wants To Deepen Military Ties With Iran
By Franz-Stefan Gady
A senior Chinese admiral met with Iran’s defense minister in Tehran.
China Won't 'Militarize' the South China Sea -- But It Will Build Military Facilities There
By Shannon Tiezzi
The Foreign Ministry confirms that China will establish "necessary military facilities" in the South China Sea.
What Does the Future Hold for China-US Relations in Cyberspace?
By Franz-Stefan Gady
Recent Sino-US cyber agreements are only a starting point and need to be followed up by more clearly defined documents.
Putin’s Visit to Japan Indefinitely Postponed
By Franz-Stefan Gady
The “environment is not suitable for a visit” at this time.
Obama Announces Halt of US Troop Cuts in Afghanistan
By Franz-Stefan Gady
The new White House plan will keep 9,800 American troops in the country until the end of 2016 or early 2017.
South China Sea: What 12 Nautical Miles Does and Doesn’t Mean
By Graham Webster
What does Washington actually hope to accomplish by sailing within 12 nm of Chinese claims in the South China Sea?
China Enforcing Quasi-ADIZ in South China Sea: Philippine Justice
By Prashanth Parameswaran
Beijing is already effectively implementing an air defense identification zone.
Which South China Sea Island Holds the Greatest Military Significance?
By Greg Austin
Hainan and China’s unfinished frontier wars.
Iran Test-Fires New Missile Capable of Hitting Israel
By Franz-Stefan Gady
Tehran’s newest missile allegedly can hit targets “with high precision.”
Beware China’s Political Warfare Campaign Against US, Allies: Experts
By Prashanth Parameswaran
A recent conference surveyed Beijing’s efforts against Washington and its allies.
China Derailing Myanmar Peace Talks: Top Negotiator
By Prashanth Parameswaran
Senior official says it is “time to stop whispering” about Beijing’s meddling.
Why the US-China Summit Failed on the South China Sea
By Nguyen Hong Thao
The way both leaders dealt with the disputes publicly was worrying for several reasons.