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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.
4 Ways Conflict Could Develop in East Asia
By Robert Farley
As you watch East Asia in 2015, keep an eye on these four factors.
The Bay of Bengal: The Maritime Silk Route and China’s Naval Ambitions
By David Brewster
With its Maritime Silk Route initiative, China is rapidly developing a presence in the Bay of Bengal.
Is the US Navy’s New Ray Gun a Good Idea?
By John W. Traphagan
The U.S. Navy's new laser weaponry is a powerful deterrent to would-be foes, but its low cost of use is worrisome.
India and Vietnam Advance Their Strategic Partnership
By Carl Thayer
India and Vietnam are expanding their strategic partnership from energy and trade to defense and space -- and beyond.
China Holds Air-and-Sea Exercise Near Okinawa
By Ankit Panda
Plus, Taiwanese indigenous missiles, costs of equipping a PLA soldier, and South China Sea. Mid-week links.
China's Xi Is a More Effective Leader Than Obama
By Dingding Chen
The implications of these two leaders' varying effectiveness might favor China over the U.S. in the long term.
India and China Slug It Out in South Asia
By Harsh V. Pant
India-China competition in South Asia is as hot as ever, but India could be losing out to China in important ways.
China’s Maritime Machinations: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly
By Mark J. Valencia
Beijing needs to improve its image on the South China Sea. A new white paper is a positive first step.
Iran Joins ISIS Fight
By Bruno Gomes Guimarães and Marcelo Scalabrin Müller
Iran air strikes in Iraq raise a host of difficult questions.
US Air Force to Share Space Data Directly with China
By Ankit Panda
U.S. Air Force Space Command will share orbital data directly with interested Chinese agencies.
Opposition Ascendancy Won’t Release Taiwan from China’s Grip
By Shang-su Wu
Taiwanese voters reject the ruling party’s strategy, but the mainland’s influence won't be easy to shake.
Lethal Robots and the Conduct of Warfare
By Marcus Fielding
Perhaps not quite the Terminator, but lethal robots are set to have a growing role on the battlefield.