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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.
Malaysia's South China Sea Policy: Playing It Safe
By Prashanth Parameswaran
Before asking what the country should do, we should look at what it is doing and why.
Imperial Japan's Musashi: The Greatest Battleship Ever Built?
By Robert Farley
The HIJMS Musashi has an important lesson to teach us on military obsolescence.
Quo Vadis Afghanistan? General Campbell Testifies on the Hill
By Franz-Stefan Gady
Campbell reports steady progress, but various challenges will remain for Afghan forces in 2015.
Asia’s New Way to Find Missing Planes After MH370?
By Prashanth Parameswaran
Australia, Indonesia and Malaysia are testing a new aircraft tracking system.
Russia Tops China as Principal Cyber Threat to US
By Franz-Stefan Gady
A recent report singles out Russia as one of the most sophisticated nation-state actors in cyberspace.
Sri Lanka May Bar Port Visits by Chinese Submarines
By Ankit Panda
The new Sri Lankan government will not allow Chinese submarines to dock
North Korea Fires 2 Ballistic Missiles Into Sea
By Franz-Stefan Gady
It's Groundhog Day on the Korean Peninsula: North Korea voiced its discontent over military drills in the usual manner.
How Scholars Can Help Solve the South China Sea Disputes
By Zheng Wang
Researchers should look to provide creative and concrete proposals for addressing South China Sea tensions.
Indonesia’s New Military Commands: A South China Sea Focus?
By Prashanth Parameswaran
The flash point is reportedly featuring prominently in its future military plans.
US Confirms Iranian Cyber Attack Against Gambling Corporation
By Ankit Panda
Plus, Japan's defense exports, China's J-20 spotted in a video, North Korea's nukes, and more.
Where Is India's Carrier Fleet Going?
By Robert Farley
India should think long and hard about the logistics necessary to operate a nuclear propulsion carrier.
Iran and the United States Locked in Cyber Combat
By Franz-Stefan Gady
A recently published N.S.A. document reveals an ongoing cyber war between the United States and Iran.