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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.
Shangri La Dialogue 2015: Europe Was There
By Sven Biscop, Sophie Boisseau du Rocher and Gudrun Wacker
The EU took a (generally) pragmatic approach to relations with Asia at the recent conference.
China is Ready for an Iran Deal
By Ankit Panda
Plus, did China really sponsor a cyber attack, and what will the U.S. Army do in Asia? Weekend links.
Vietnam’s Newest Tourist Destination: The Spratlys
By Franz-Stefan Gady
How Hanoi deploys tourism as a weapon in its simmering dispute with Beijing over South China Sea sovereignty.
Kampai and Gun Bae to Kentucky Bourbon!
By Robert Farley
There's a reason East Asia loves Kentucky: it's the top bourbon producer in the world.
South Korea Tests New Ballistic Missile
By Franz-Stefan Gady
The new missile can allegedly hit all of North Korea.
Are Pro-Government Militias Helpful in Defeating the Taliban?
By Franz-Stefan Gady
According to a new report by the International Crisis Group, the answer is an unequivocal no.
China Is Playing Offense, Not Defense, in the South China Sea
By Denny Roy
China’s actions in the South China Sea have gone far beyond matching or reacting to the actions of others.
Philippines Moves Toward New Naval Base Near the South China Sea
By Prashanth Parameswaran
Manila is making progress on a new facility.
US to Help Vietnam Bolster Maritime Security
By Ankit Panda
U.S. Defense Secretary Ashton Carter announced $18 million in U.S. funding to help Vietnam beef up its coast guard.
Japan and the United States to Deepen Cybersecurity Cooperation
By Franz-Stefan Gady
The growing threat of digital attacks moves Washington and Tokyo closer together in trying to secure cyberspace.
A Long Overdue Foreign Policy Course Correction by Delhi
By Harsh V. Pant
Narendra Modi's visit to Bangladesh should mark a turning point in Indian attention toward Bangladesh.
Shangri-La 2015: Why We Didn't See a US-China Showdown
By Dingding Chen
Both sides exercised restraint, at least for now. But lots of uncertainties lay ahead.