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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.
Russia Will Build First Hypersonic Missile Before 2020
By Zachary Keck
A senior official at a Russian defense company said the country will build its first hypersonic missile before 2020.
Meet China's Submarine-Hunting Frigate
By Ankit Panda
China's Type 056A frigate fills an important gap in the PLAN's abilities: anti-submarine warfare.
China's Selling the J-31, But Who's Buying?
By Robert Farley
Is anyone interested in purchasing China's answer to the F-35?
Out With Non-Alignment, In With a 'Modi Doctrine'
By Harsh V. Pant
For India’s friends, a new outreach is in the offing. For India’s adversaries, new red lines are being drawn.
China's 'Marshall Plan' Is Much More
By Dingding Chen
China’s ‘one belt, one road’ initiative is no Marshall plan -- it's far more ambitious.
Defining a ‘New Type of Major Power Relations’
By Dingding Chen
Heading into the APEC Summit, the U.S. and China may need to narrow their interpretation of the concept.
India Appoints Full-Time Defense Minister
By Ankit Panda
Plus, China debuts Shenyang J-31, U.S. considers delays to Afghan withdrawal, and Koreans debate THAAD. Defense links.
Bandwagoning Terrorists: Loyalty Isn’t What it Used to Be
By Liana Eustacia Reyes and Elizabeth Bennett
The popularity of ISIS shows the fickle nature of jihadist loyalty.
Why the US Will Welcome Chinese Influence in Afghanistan
By Robert Farley
Does the United States care if Beijing ramps up its influence in Afghanistan? Probably not.
China Develops Anti-Drone Lasers
By Ankit Panda
Chinese engineers have successfully built lasers to counter low-altitude, low-speed drones.
US-Japan Alliance: Still 'Sword and Shield'?
By Ankit Panda
Don't let the current defense guideline overhaul fool you. The broad contours of the U.S.-Japan alliance won't change.
Aquino Shows Support for Japan in the South China Sea
By Clint Richards
The Philippines is seeking to indirectly link its territorial problems with Japanese normalization.