Blog
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.
War in Yemen Threatens Pakistan’s Ties to the Gulf
By Saagar Enjeti
Pakistan’s middle ground between Iran and Saudi Arabia now seems tenuous.
How to Fix the Japan-South Korea Relationship
By Van Jackson
Washington needs to reorient how it thinks about ties between its two key allies.
The Trans-Pacific Partnership Is No Aircraft Carrier
By Robert Farley
Framing the Trans-Pacific Partnership as an urgent issue for U.S. national security is frankly unproductive.
Japan Scrambling Jets at Cold War Levels
By Ankit Panda
Plus, South China Sea disputes, interviews with Asia's top diplomats, and more.
Campbell: The History of the 21st Century Will Be Written in Asia
By Catherine Putz
The greatest challenge for American leaders is finding the “wit and wisdom” to focus more attention on the Asia-Pacific.
After 5 Years, Japan, South Korea Hold Security Dialogue
By Ankit Panda
The defense and foreign ministers of South Korea and Japan met for a "two-plus-two" dialogue for the first time in five years.
Who’s Got the Biggest Muscles in the South China Sea?
By Prashanth Parameswaran
The United States and China trade barbs over each other’s muscles.
South China Sea: China Is Building on the Paracels As Well
By Victor Robert Lee
It’s not just the Spratlys, China is constructing military facilities on the Paracel Islands too.
Revealed: China Spies on India and ASEAN Member States
By Franz-Stefan Gady
A new report details cyberattacks of a sophisticated group of hackers with alleged ties to the Chinese government.
China’s Growing Cyberwar Capabilities
By Marcel A. Green
A recent attack on GitHub highlights China’s growing expertise – and aggression – in cyberspace.
US, South Korean Officials: No North Korean Nuclear Test Imminent
By Ankit Panda
Plus, China's land reclamation, U.S.-Japan defense guidelines, Indian nukes, and more. Defense and security links.
Chinese Nuclear Subs in the Indian Ocean
By P K Ghosh
An extended deployment has sent a powerful message to the Indian Navy.