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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.
What's Behind China's Djibouti Plans
By Ankit Panda
Plus, South China Sea, China in RIMPAC, and Seymour Hersh. Weekend links.
The Worrying Rise of Anti-China Discourse in the US
By Dingding Chen
Forget U.S. patrols in the South China Sea. This is the real threat to U.S.-China relations.
No Need to Sweat a Chinese Military Base in Djibouti
By Kevin Wang
A base does not necessarily mean Beijing is gearing up to challenge regional security heavyweights.
Will Afghanistan and Pakistan Jointly Fight the Taliban?
By Franz-Stefan Gady
A recent high-level bilateral meeting might indicate that Islamabad and Kabul have put their old differences aside.
China's Naval Plans for Djibouti: A Road, a Belt, or a String of Pearls?
By Rob Edens
As China looks to Djibouti, it may be apparent that Beijing's "peaceful rise" is showing its claws.
How Would the US Challenge China in the South China Sea?
By Prashanth Parameswaran
A look at how one proposal might work.
US Encroachments in the South China Sea: What Would China Do?
By Shannon Tiezzi
The U.S. is considering sending aircraft and ships within 12 nautical miles of Chinese reefs. How would Beijing react?
A Naval Base on the Horn of Africa for China?
By Ankit Panda
According to Djibouti's president, China is looking to set up its first overseas naval base in his country.
Japan, Philippines Hold First South China Sea Naval Exercises
By Prashanth Parameswaran
The two strategic partners take another step towards boosting their security ties.
Why China's South China Sea Strategy Will Fail
By Leszek Buszynski
Despite China's pressure on ASEAN claimants, it is unlikely to achieve its goals.
Can China and the EU Cooperate on International Security?
By Greg Austin
There is ample room for Brussels to deepen the conversation with Beijing on security goals of mutual interest.
US: Hackers Will 'Pay A Price' for Cyber Attacks
By Franz-Stefan Gady
In a recent speech, the head of the NSA notes that the U.S. will retaliate against malicious actors in cyberspace.