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.
Chinese Admiral: South China Sea ‘Belongs to China’
By Franz-Stefan Gady
At a recent naval conference a Chinese Vice Admiral did not mince words.
Should the US Navy Sail Within 12 Nautical Miles of China's Fake Islands?
By Ankit Panda
Plus, North Korea and the Iran deal, Pakistan and Lashkar-e-Taiba, and more. Must reads.
Indian Air Force Chief Visits Vietnam
By Ankit Panda
India and Vietnam continue to expand their strategic security cooperation.
China Is Recreating the American 'Hub-and-Spoke' System in Asia
By Lee Jaehyon
What China's doing should be familiar to observers of U.S. Asia policy.
Watch Out China: Vietnam's Coast Guard Will Fight Back
By Ankit Panda
A new Vietnamese regulation will allow its coast guard to use weapons to deter and repel ships.
Explaining China's New 'Commitments' on the South China Sea
By Xue Li and Liu Mingyi
At the August ASEAN meetings, China unveiled its "five commitments" on the South China Sea. What changed?
For the First Time Since the B-17, America Might Have a Bomber Designed for Asia
By Robert Farley
The LRS-B could turn out to be the bomber that gives Washington the edge it needs in the Asia-Pacific.
South China Sea: Satellite Imagery Makes Clear China’s Runway Work at Subi Reef
By Victor Robert Lee
New satellite imagery shows work well advanced on a combat-capable air facility.
Americans Are Worried About China, But the Reasons Why Might Surprise You
By Ankit Panda
Americans see a range of problems in U.S.-China relations--some with good reason, others less so.
Japan Wary of Rising Russia Threat: Ex-Defense Minister
By Prashanth Parameswaran
Former official notes Tokyo’s concern about growing provocations from Moscow.
How China and India’s Noisy Nuclear Subs Contribute to Instability in Asia
By Franz-Stefan Gady
Beijing and New Delhi’s ballistic missile subs fail to provide an adequate sea-based nuclear deterrent.
China or Iran: Who Is the Bigger Threat to U.S. Airpower?
By Franz-Stefan Gady
A new comparative analysis sheds light on the threat Tehran’s ballistic missile force poses to U.S. airbases.