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.
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.
Taiwan's South China Sea Headache
By Shannon Tiezzi
Caught between its own territorial claims and international criticism of the "nine-dashed line", what is Taiwan to do?
The Diminishing Returns of Ambiguity in the South China Sea
By Ryan Santicola
At this point, China’s own interests may be better served by clarifying its claims.
International Law Is the Real Threat to China's South China Sea Claims
By Jill Goldenziel
If an arbitral tribunal finds China in breach of UNCLOS, the international pressure on Beijing would be enormous.
With Trilateral Summit, China-Japan-Korea Cooperation 'Completely Restored'
By Shannon Tiezzi
Leaders from China, Japan, and South Korea avoided touching on divisive issues in favor of sending a positive message.
How Is Malaysia Responding to China’s South China Sea Intrusion?
By Prashanth Parameswaran
There are signs the country is mulling new measures amid Beijing’s assertiveness.
Australia's Interests in the South China Sea
By Greg Austin
China’s artificial islands are of minor interest to Canberra.
Chinese J-11 Fighters Exercise in the South China Sea After US Navy Patrols
By Ankit Panda
After protesting a U.S. Navy freedom of navigation patrol, the PLA flexes its airpower muscles in the South China Sea.
A Dual-Use Dilemma in US-China Defense Industrial Interaction
By Robert Farley
China may be gaining access to U.S. tech through perfectly legal means. What can the United States do?