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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.
North and South Korean Boats Exchange Fire
By Zachary Keck
North and South Korean naval boats exchanged fire on Tuesday, but the skirmish won't impact otherwise improving ties.
Is the Afghan Army Prepared for 2015?
By Ankit Panda
Plus, India and Pakistan trade fire, North and South Korea trade fire, and the future of U.S-India relations.
Xi Jinping's Anti-Corruption Campaign Is Doomed to Fail
By Aaron L. Friedberg
Xi Jinping's corruption crackdown won't succeed unless he acknowledges the system is the problem -- not a few "bad apples."
How Effective Is China's New Anti-Stealth Radar System, Really?
By Ankit Panda
Chinese sources claim that the DWL002 passive radar system will render the F-22 and F-35 "obsolete."
The US Lifts Arms Embargo: The Ball Is in Vietnam’s Court
By Carl Thayer
The United States partially lifted the embargo. The next move will be Vietnam's.
Vietnam’s Weapons of War for China
By Zachary Keck
Plus, can China defeat the U.S. without battle? Weekend strategy and defense links.
United States Lifts Vietnam Arms Embargo (With a Catch)
By Ankit Panda
40 years after the Vietnam War, the U.S. will sell defense equipment to Vietnam for maritime security.
‘Chinese Aegis’ Leads A2/AD Drill in South China Sea
By Zachary Keck
China deploys its most modern destroyer, the Type-052D, to disputed waters in the South China Sea.
North Korea Upgrades Satellite Launch Facility
By Ankit Panda
A new satellite-imagery based analysis points to a completed upgrade cycle at the Songhae satellite launch site.
American Universities Face a Confucius Institute Dilemma
By Robert Farley
How should U.S. universities evaluate the value of their Confucius Institutes?
How to Avoid Repeating the Tragedy of Tiananmen Square in Hong Kong
By Chen Dingding and Wang Jianwei
The Chinese government will not repeat the tragedy of 1989 in Hong Kong in 2014.
India Develops Long-Endurance, Low-Altitute UAV
By Ankit Panda
Plus, a Chinese sub heads to the Gulf of Aden, Russia takes France to court, and more. Mid-week links.