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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.
1 Year Later: Reflections on China's Oil Rig 'Sovereignty-Making' in the South China Sea
By Ankit Panda
What is the long-term significance of China's decision to move an oil rig into Vietnam's exclusive economic zone in May 2014?
Abbottabad 2011: What Really Happened?
By Ankit Panda
Is everything we know about the Osama bin Laden raid wrong?
A First: North Korea Tests 'Polaris-1' SLBM
By Ankit Panda
For the first time ever, North Korea tested its SLBM, sparking regional concern.
Rethinking China’s Maritime Militia Policy
By Zhang Hongzhou
The thinking behind China’s maritime militia policy is becoming increasingly obsolete.
3 Reasons the United States Should Invite China to RIMPAC 2016
By Dingding Chen
Because cooperation is better than confrontation at this tenuous moment of U.S.-China relations.
Imagine: F-22 Raptors For Export
By Robert Farley
So, who wants the F-22 Raptor?
China's Coming 'Lawfare' and the South China Sea
By Patrick M. Renz and Frauke Heidemann
What China's growing legal expertise could mean for its foreign policy.
Why Are Chinese Frigates in the Black Sea?
By Ankit Panda
China's frigates may be in the Black Sea on a mission that's part symbolism, part marketing.
The United States Shouldn't Invite China to RIMPAC 2016 (With a Catch)
By Ankit Panda
Washington should start imposing costs on Beijing for its behavior.
China's Air Superiority Fighters Are Getting Stealthier
By Ankit Panda
Plus, nuclear deterrence in South Asia, India's ballistic missile defense, and history in East Asia.
Afghan Forces are Suffering Record Losses
By Franz-Stefan Gady
Could this undermine the fighting spirit of the Afghan army and police in their battles against the Taliban?
Why the Next US President Should Pivot to the South China Sea
By Thuc D. Pham
The U.S. needs to get proactive and expand the scope of activities with new partners like Vietnam.