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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.
The Looming Intellectual Property Storm in US-China Relations
By Robert Farley
Can China have its intellectual property cake and eat it too? Probably not.
Vietnam’s Cam Ranh Bay Caught in US-Russia Crossfire
By Carl Thayer
How will Hanoi respond to U.S. pressure to curtail flights of Russian refueling aircraft out of Cam Ranh Bay?
4 Reasons China Can Fight a Modern War
By Dingding Chen
Do not underestimate the PLA’s fighting capabilities, particularly its fighting resolve.
China Blasts ASEAN Head for South China Sea Remarks
By Prashanth Parameswaran
Beijing scolds ASEAN’s Vietnamese chief for allegedly biased and false comments.
India's Got a Plan For South China Sea Disputes (And China Won't Like It)
By Ankit Panda
India's got a preferred solution for South China Sea disputes -- and it's not a surprise.
Myanmar May Have Just Bombed Chinese Territory -- Now What?
By Ankit Panda
A Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson confirmed that Myanmar accidentally bombed Chinese soil. What are the consequences?
The Philippines and Vietnam Forge a Strategic Partnership
By Carl Thayer
Could this form the basis of multilateral maritime security cooperation?
Why Putin Annexed Crimea
By Ankit Panda
Plus, IHS' Global Defense Trade Report, a possible "dark horse" for India's MMRCA contract, and more. Defense links.
India Gears Up to Tackle China in Its Backyard
By Harsh V. Pant
With Narendra Modi's tour of three Indian Ocean states this week, New Delhi will renew its commitment to the region.
What South Korea’s New Ambassador to China Must Do
By Sukjoon Yoon
Chinese concerns over South Korea’s security arrangements with Japan and the U.S. must be addressed.
For First Time in 4 Years, China and Japan to Hold Security Talks
By Ankit Panda
Senior Chinese and Japanese officials will meet later this month for a security dialogue.
New Zealand's Mass Surveillance of Pacific States Exposed
By Ankit Panda
New Zealand's Government Communications Security Bureau conducts mass surveillance of several Pacific states.