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’s Maritime Militia Upends Rules on Naval Warfare
By James Kraska
The use of fishing vessels as a maritime militia has profound legal implications.
Satellite Imagery: China Staging Mock Invasion of Taiwan?
By Victor Robert Lee
Images from an Inner Mongolia training base show what looks like a replica of central Taipei.
For Much of Asia, World War 2 Ended After August 1945
By Robert Farley
Wars-of-continuation decided the fates of Vietnam, China, Korea, Indonesia, and much of the rest of the Asia-Pacific.
Russia’s Foreign Minister Slams US Over Military Buildup in Asia
By Franz-Stefan Gady
Russia continues to be worried about the U.S. rebalance to Asia.
Cyber Attacks: Why Retaliating Against China Is the Wrong Reaction
By Jeffrey Carr
Bolstering security measures to foil the next attack, not retaliation, should be the U.S. government's priority.
Southeast Asian Countries Warm to US-Proposed Freeze on South China Sea Land Reclamation
By Shannon Tiezzi
A proposal first aired in 2014 is gaining new traction as tensions rise in the South China Sea.
American Propaganda on the South China Sea and Cyber Space
By Greg Austin
At some point, such propaganda may become a self-fulfilling threat to peace.
Fishing For Ways To De-Escalate South China Sea Tensions
By Yanmei Xie and Shuxian Luo
Fisheries offer both risk and opportunity in disputed waters.
For the ASEAN-China South China Sea Code of Conduct, Ninth Time Isn't the Charm
By Ankit Panda
After consultations in Tianjin, Chinese and ASEAN leaders appear to be no closer to a Code of Conduct for the South China Sea.
South China Sea: Satellite Imagery Shows Intensive Chinese Building
By Victor Robert Lee
The latest satellite pictures show China building what appears to be a large runway on Subi Reef.
Is Japan Becoming a Threat to Peace?
By Greg Austin
Japan’s entry into the military dimensions of the South China Sea may come to be seen as threat to general peace.
Beijing Strikes Back: U.S. 'Militarizing' South China Sea
By Franz-Stefan Gady
China's Defense Ministry is retaliating against recent U.S. remarks in kind.