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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.
China's HD-981 Oil Rig Returns, Near Disputed South China Sea Waters
By Ankit Panda
In an unexpected development, China's Haiyang Shiyou 981 oil rig is back in contested waters.
Rand Paul, Offshore Balancing, and the Asia-Pacific
By Robert Farley
Kentucky's Rand Paul might not be all that important for U.S. Asia policy--then again, he's running for president.
Japan's Top Military Officer: Joint US-Japanese Patrols in South China Sea a Possibility
By Franz-Stefan Gady
Will the Japanese Navy expand into the South China Sea with regular patrols?
Joint Japan-Philippine Flight Over South China Sea Riles China
By Shannon Tiezzi
Once again, China is calling for Japan to stay out of the South China Sea issue.
One Belt, One Road, One Frenzied Debate
By Dingding Chen
Just like China’s overheating stock market, the ‘OBOR’ debate needs to cool down if it wants sustainable development.
Taiwan, the Final Piece of the Rebalance?
By Shang-Su Wu
Seemingly in the background of U.S. Asia policy of late, Taiwan retains immense strategic significance.
The South China Sea Needs South Korea
By Van Jackson
Why Seoul can no longer stay on the sidelines of maritime disputes in the South China Sea.
Let's Be Real: The South China Sea Is a US-China Issue
By Jeff M. Smith
The South China Sea is increasingly central to the overall state of U.S.-China relations.
Is a Sino-US War Inevitable?
By Dr. Bob Lee
How to stop the unthinkable from becoming the inevitable.
Should the US Deploy New Tactical Nukes?
By Franz-Stefan Gady
Yes, if U.S. nuclear strategists follow the advice of a new think tank study.
China's New South China Sea Messaging
By Shannon Tiezzi
China has changed the way it talks about its actions in the South China Sea, signalling a shift in the way it thinks.
China Launches Land Border Crossing From India Into Tibet for Religious Pilgrimages
By Ankit Panda
Plus, Kurt Campbell speaks on Asia, China's nuclear arsenal, long-range strike bombers, and more. Links.