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.
The Indian Ocean Plane Wreckage: What Do We Know?
By Shannon Tiezzi
Is this the first solid evidence to the fate of MH370 -- or another dead end?
Head of Japan's Navy Warns of Beijing's Militarization of South China Sea
By Franz-Stefan Gady
Meanwhile, Japan's Ministry of Defense has published its own analysis on China's South China Sea building activities.
How the TPP Will Protect the United States' 'Third Offset' Strategy
By Robert Farley
The intellectual property provisions of the TPP will give the United States' "third offset" strategy teeth.
A First: China Turns Back Commercial Flight For Violating East China Sea ADIZ Rules
By Ankit Panda
China's enforcement of its East China Sea air defense identification zone (ADIZ) is starting to work out.
China's Navy Tests 'Maritime Combat Ability' in the South China Sea
By Franz-Stefan Gady
The Philippines are apparently not impressed with China’s martial might.
Beware China’s ‘Basing’ Strategy: Former US Navy Chief
By Prashanth Parameswaran
Admiral Gary Roughead issues a warning about Beijing’s growing network of 'places.'
Asia’s New Geopolitics Takes Shape Around India, Japan, and Australia
By Harsh V. Pant
Japan, India, and Australia will be instrumental in determining Asia's fate in the 21st century.
The Troubled Japan-South Korea Relationship
By Mina Pollmann
The Diplomat talks with Brad Glosserman and Scott A. Snyder about Japan-Korea relations.
Vietnam Slams Chinese Naval Drill in South China Sea
By Ankit Panda
Vietnamese authorities have called on the Chinese navy to cease a military exercise in disputed waters.
How Russia Tries to Intimidate Japan
By Franz-Stefan Gady
Moscow is stepping up its military presence on the disputed Kuril Islands.
How Should Vietnam Respond to China's South China Sea Oil Rig Return?
By Chau Bao Nguyen
A look at Beijing's motivations and Hanoi's options.
3 Reasons the Philippines Will Suffer Because of Its South China Sea Case Against China
By Dingding Chen
Even if it wins at The Hague, the Philippines will lose against China in the long run.