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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.
X-Band and THAAD as Good as Anti-China Trilateral Defense Agreement?
By Clint Richards
The U.S. transfer of high-end hardware seeks to put China in an ever-shrinking security box.
Calming the Seas: Chinese Vessels Temporarily Vanish from Senkaku Contiguous Zone
By Bonnie Glaser and Thomas Vien
For nearly two weeks in October, China halted all patrols in the contiguous zone of the Senkaku Islands. Why?
Should the US Proliferate A2/AD in Asia?
By Robert Farley
The United States shouldn't rush into arming its allies with anti-access/area denial technologies.
Al-Qaeda Declares War on China, Too
By Zachary Keck
Al-Qaeda has joined the Islamic State in calling for jihad against China for its Uyghur policies.
The Political Perils of Offshore Balancing
By Chris Mclachlan
Moving U.S. forces out of range of Chinese threats could create more problems than it solves.
India Steps Up Defense Cooperation with Sri Lanka and Maldives
By Ankit Panda
Also, India and China hold exercises, Pakistan-Iran tensions rise, a Korean standoff, and more. Defense links.
China-Vietnam Defense Hotline Agreed: What Next?
By Carl Thayer
Beijing and Hanoi are looking to reset bilateral relations following a turbulent year.
Meet India's New Nuclear Cruise Missile
By Ankit Panda
India's latest long-range cruise missile, the Nirbhay, is nuclear capable.
China Naval Chief Conducts ‘Unprecedented’ Survey of Disputed Reefs
By Zachary Keck
PLA Navy commander Wu Shengli conducted a survey of Beijing's reclamation projects in the disputed South China Sea.
Why the Upcoming China-Vietnam Defense Ministers Meeting is Immensely Important
By Carl Thayer
Chinese and Vietnamese officials will meet this weekend with maritime security on the agenda.
Indonesian Maritime Security Board to Access Chinese Satellite Data
By Ankit Panda
Indonesia's Maritime Security Coordinating Board will have access to Chinese remote sensing data.
How Imperial Germany Lost Asia
By Robert Farley
A hundred years ago, the German empire slowly shed its Asian possessions.