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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.
US Is (Almost) Ready to Impose Economic Sanctions on China Over Cyberespionage
By Franz-Stefan Gady
Economic sanctions against Chinese companies and individuals could be imposed within the next two weeks.
Philippines Asks for US Military Assistance in South China Sea
By Franz-Stefan Gady
Manila feels harassed by Beijing when resupplying its military personnel in the West Philippine Sea.
Did the United States Ever Really Have a China Strategy?
By Robert Farley
Instead of engaging China, the United States could (with great cost) have isolated it.
Could Science Defeat Terrorism? Using Robots to Hunt Down ISIS
By Lucas Bento
Before you rule out so-called killer robots, consider their applications in counter-terrorism.
A Military Game of Chicken in the South China Sea?
By Piin-Fen Kok
The South China Sea problem has been militarized and internationalized: what now?
Who Will ‘Win’ in the Philippines’ South China Sea Case Against China?
By Truong-Minh Vu and Trang Pham
A look at what the case could mean for Asia and Beijing's 'peaceful rise.'
Why Did Bangladesh Just Launch a Raid Against Myanmar Separatists?
By Prashanth Parameswaran
Dhaka cracks down following an attack on its forces.
China Holds Air and Sea Exercise in East China Sea
By Ankit Panda
Plus, Russia-China hold naval drill, Pakistan's nuclear weapons, and U.S. policy in the South China Sea. Weekend links.
US Will Send B-2 Bombers to Guam in Support of South Korea
By Franz-Stefan Gady
Is it too soon to tell whether the recent agreement will reduce tensions on the Korean Peninsula?
Back from the Brink: How the Koreas Made Up
By Ankit Panda
In any Korean crisis, there needs to be a face-saving way out for both sides.
Confirmed: North and South Korea Reach Agreement to Deescalate Tensions
By Franz-Stefan Gady
Seoul and Pyongyang have reached an agreement to deescalate tensions on the Korean Peninsula.
4 Reasons Shinzo Abe Should Attend China’s WW2 Military Parade
By Dingding Chen
After all considerations, the benefits are greater than costs. Shinzo Abe should seize this golden opportunity.