Blog
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.
China Launches Experimental Satellites
By Ankit Panda
In September, China launched multiple satellites, including the Yaogan-21 and the experimental Tiantuo-2.
What to Expect If the US Lifts Its Vietnam Arms Embargo
By Ankit Panda
What are the expected short-term effects of the U.S. lifting its arms embargo on Vietnam?
Can Vietnam’s Maritime Strategy Counter China?
By Carl Thayer
Just how developed and credible is Vietnam's counter-intervention strategy?
US to Abandon Use of Land Mines Everywhere But Korea
By Ankit Panda
Plus, the Philippines' Aquino on China's mixed signals, Vietnam may be able to buy U.S. weapons, and more. Security links.
3 Opportunities for Better US-India Defense Ties
By Hemal Shah
As Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrives in the United States, U.S.-India defense ties face an era of opportunity.
It's a Rough World Out There For a Small Navy
By Robert Farley
Modern warfare is shifting to a competition between two "system-of-systems," and smaller navies can't compete.
Fixing India-China Relations Isn't Too Difficult
By Dingding Chen
The dragon and the elephant can be best friends—the border dispute between the two giants is actually a minor issue.
China's Military May Have Gone 'Rogue' After All
By Ankit Panda
Xi Jinping isn't happy with the PLA's chain of command, suggesting that he may lack complete control.
China and Iran's Historic Naval Exercise
By Ankit Panda
China and Iran began a four-day naval exercise on Monday, focusing on anti-piracy and rescue operations.
Space: The Final Missile Defense Frontier?
By Ankit Panda
Also, Indian Air Force deals, the INS Vikramaditya, U.S.-China military relations, and MH370. Weekend links.
No, Malaysia Would Never Host a US Spy Base
By Dzirhan Mahadzir
The notion that Malaysia may offer the U.S. Navy a base for surveillance aircraft is laughable.
So You Want to Steal a Frigate?
By Robert Farley
Robert Farley's comprehensive guide to stealing a frigate (spoiler: it's "absurdly difficult").