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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.
A Bad Idea: Using the 2001 AUMF as Legal Rationale for Striking ISIS
By Ankit Panda
The Obama administration doesn't have the strongest legal footing to go to war against ISIS in Iraq.
US, China Trade Barbs Over Surveillance Flights
By Zachary Keck
The U.S. and China remain at an impasse over America's surveillance flights near China's coasts.
China's Military Creates New Space Force
By Zachary Keck
The People's Liberation Army has reportedly established a fifth military service dedicated to aerospace operations.
Vietnam's China Challenge: Making Asymmetric Deterrence Work
By Ankit Panda
With its new Kilo-class subs, Vietnam will implement an asymmetric area denial strategy against China.
Of Course States Spy on States
By Butch Bracknell
They would be delinquent in their sovereignty if they didn’t.
Russia May Have Just Abducted a NATO/EU Member State Counterintelligence Official
By Ankit Panda
On Friday, an Estonian counterintelligence official was abducted and taken to Russia.
Russia to Conduct More Nuclear Drills
By Zachary Keck
Russia announced its nuclear forces will conduct a drill along the border with China later this month.
How India Can 'Balance' Relations with Japan and China
By Ankit Panda
Decoupling economic issues from strategic issues might be the best way for New Delhi to keep both Tokyo and Beijing happy.
Japan Enters Global Submarine Market With Soryu Offering
By Robert Farley
With the Soryu-class submarine, Japan can compete with the best the global submarine market has to offer.
Inevitability and Possible Futures in the Taiwan Strait
By J. Michael Cole
Are the Taiwanese in charge of their own destiny any more?
Putin’s Chilling Kazakhstan Comments
By Casey Michel
The Russian president fires a rhetorical warning shot across the bow of another neighbor.
China Eyes Russia’s S-400, Taiwan Seeks New Air Defense System
By Zachary Keck
China and Taiwan are both seeking significant upgrades to their air defense systems in the years ahead.