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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.
A New Chinese Threat in the East China Sea? Not So Fast
By Ankit Panda
Japan's bid to portray Chinese oil platform development in the East China Sea as threatening is misguided.
Japan-China Maritime Dispute Back in the Spotlight
By Shannon Tiezzi
With the release of new evidence of Chinese development, Japan seeks to draw global attention to the East China Sea.
How the US Is Trying to Shape Norms in Cyberspace
By Franz-Stefan Gady
Washington appears to be serious about upholding the distinction between commercial versus traditional cyber espionage.
Is the Afghan Army Losing the War in Afghanistan?
By Franz-Stefan Gady
Halfway through the fighting season, Afghan security forces are struggling to hold their ground.
Chinese PLA Simulates ‘Attack’ on Taiwan’s Presidential Office
By J. Michael Cole
Why did CCTV show footage of PLA soldiers storming a computer-generated facsimile of Taiwan's seat of government?
China Should Not Declare New South China Sea ADIZ: Top Chinese Expert
By Prashanth Parameswaran
One of the country's leading experts admits this should be on Beijing’s ‘should not do’ list.
Has the Philippines Forgotten its South China Sea Strategy?
By Richard Javad Heydarian
Manila is investing too much in its legal approach at its own expense. This was not always so.
US Commander Joins South China Sea Surveillance Flight During Philippines Trip
By Prashanth Parameswaran
Admiral Scott Swift joins a mission on board a P-8 aircraft.
Mandate of Heaven: An ADIZ in the South China Sea
By Roncevert Ganan Almond
Might China seek to amend customary international law in relation to air defense identification zones?
An HA/DR Solution to South China Sea Tensions
By Takashi Kawamoto and Yizhe Daniel Xie
Humanitarian assistance and disaster relief could offer innovative approach to territorial conflict.
China’s Assertiveness Could Worsen, Japan Military Chief Warns
By Prashanth Parameswaran
Admiral Kawano sees a worrying future as Beijing seeks to expand its regional reach.
What Weapons Will a Post-Deal Iran Look to Purchase? Pretty Much Everything
By Robert Farley
With the Iran deal, Tehran will be looking to purchase arms. Who's selling?