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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.
Learning From China’s Oil Rig Standoff With Vietnam
By Paul J. Leaf
Understanding the motives behind Beijing’s provocation will help the US and its partners deal with future incidents.
Filipino and Fijian Peacekeepers Trapped and Captured in Syria
By Ankit Panda
APAC peacekeepers are captured in Syria, IS spreads to Southeast Asia, and Kissiner ponders order. Weekend links.
China Might Just Be an Assertive Status Quo Power
By Robert Farley
On balance, Beijing's policies suggest it is looking to carve out a special role for itself within the current order.
The US Should Stop Sending Surveillance Aircraft to China’s Doorstep
By Dingding Chen
Citing international law as justification misses the point; U.S. spying poses a serious threat to China’s national security.
Changing the Narrative in Northeast Asia
By Jeffrey W. Hornung
South Korean and Japanese leaders need to change the history narrative and focus on common security challenges.
Australia May Help US Bomb Syria
By Zachary Keck
U.S. officials believe that Australia and Great Britain will participate in airstrikes against ISIS in Syria.
Indonesia Keeps an Eye on the Natuna Archipelago
By Ankit Panda
Indonesia is growing increasingly wary of Beijing's intentions for the Natuna Islands.
Chinese Surveillance Aircraft Enter Taiwan's Airspace
By J. Michael Cole
On August 25, 2 separate Chinese surveillance aircraft passed through Taiwan's airspace on their way to the South China Sea.
Preventing Another 'Hainan Incident'
By Shannon Tiezzi
Can the U.S. and China come to agreements to lessen the risk of dangerous accidents at sea or in the air?
When Might a Great Power War Make Sense?
By Ankit Panda
What will it take for either the U.S. or China to decide to go to war with the other?
US Submarine Fleet to Decrease by 25%
By Zachary Keck
Plus, Chinese military game changers and the spread of hit to kill technologies. Defense and security links.
China Calls US Intercept Complaint ‘Totally Groundless’
By Zachary Keck
China blamed the U.S. for what Washington called a "dangerous intercept" of one of its spy planes.