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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.
Australia and Iran to Cooperate in Fight Against ISIS
By Franz-Stefan Gady
Canberra and Tehran move closer in the fight against Sunni extremism.
Remembering the Indians of Gallipoli
By Ankit Panda
Plus, U.S.-Japan defense guidelines, North Korea's nuclear program, and the best kept secret of defense analysis.
South China Sea: China's Unprecedented Spratlys Building Program
By Victor Robert Lee
Subi Reef looks next in line for an airstrip, as building and reclamation continue with unprecedented speed.
China, Philippines Spar Over South China Sea Run-Ins
By Shannon Tiezzi
Manila and Beijing clashed over a series of run-ins between their citizens and militaries in disputed areas.
China Is Building Giant Floating Islands in the South China Sea
By Jack Detsch
A new report reveals China’s plans for 1,000,000 ton battle stations in the South China Sea.
AIIB: China's 'Phase Zero Operation'?
By William Yale
Can Beijing's claim that it wants to provide 'global public goods' via the AIIB be taken at face value?
What Does India's Carrier Aviation Future Hold?
By Robert Farley
Despite the disappointment stemming from India's Rafale deal, the country's future in carrier aviation remains bright.
Chinese Experts Sound Alarms on North Korea’s Nuclear Program
By Ankit Panda
Chinese nuclear experts think that the nuclear threat posed by North Korea is much greater than previously thought.
Alarm Over China’s S-400 Acquisition Is Premature
By J. Michael Cole
The S-400 is an impressive system, but China's acquisition of the system shouldn't spark alarm just yet.
Fourth Time's the Charm: Xi Jinping and Shinzo Abe Meet Again
By Ankit Panda
Xi Jinping and Shinzo Abe held a meeting on the sidelines of the Asia Africa Summit in Jakarta, Indonesia.
A Geneva Convention for Cyberspace?
By Franz-Stefan Gady
It may be worthwhile discussing the differences between analog and digital weapon arsenals.
Confirmed: Taiwan to Start New South China Sea Patrols
By Prashanth Parameswaran
Defense ministry confirms move to dispatch maritime patrol aircraft.