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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.
After the Izumo, What's Next for Japan's Navy?
By Robert Farley
Japan has its largest post-war helicopter carrier -- how will it use it?
Mearsheimer’s War With China
By Amitai Etzioni
The provocative political scientist foresees tense relations between the U.S. and China.
China Slams Philippines For South China Sea ‘Hypocrisy’
By Prashanth Parameswaran
Beijing turns the tables on Manila for resuming works in the South China Sea.
China, Russia Consider a Return to Six-Party Talks
By Ankit Panda
Senior nuclear envoys from China and Russia met to discuss a possible resumption of the Six-Party Talks.
No, Indonesia’s South China Sea Approach Has Not Changed
By Prashanth Parameswaran
Jokowi’s recent comments need to be put in perspective.
What to Expect From India-China Border Talks in the Modi-Xi Era
By Ankit Panda
For the first time since Narendra Modi came to power, India and China will hold high-level border negotiations.
China Slams US as 'Kibitzer on South China Sea'
By Franz-Stefan Gady
In response to a letter by four US Senators to the Departments of Defense and State, Beijing tries to ridicule the US.
Manmohan Singh’s Moment of Reckoning
By Harsh V. Pant
Manmohan Singh's fall from grace is the latest chapter in the Indian National Congress' self-inflicted implosion.
Halford Mackinder’s Last View of the Round World
By Francis P. Sempa
During WWII, the great British political geographer updated his Heartland theory, with typical prescience.
Despite China's Warnings, Cross-Border Strikes From Myanmar Continue
By Ankit Panda
Despite stern warnings from senior Chinese officials, Myanmar forces continue to take their fight against the Kokang rebels across the border.
3 Years On, China, Japan, South Korea May Resume Leaders' Summit
By Ankit Panda
The foreign ministers of China, Japan, and South Korea suggested that the long-stalled leaders' summit could be back on.
AIIB: Not a US Loss, Not a Chinese Win
By Dingding Chen
The China-led AIIB does not necessarily challenge U.S. financial hegemony; it could be a golden opportunity for cooperation.