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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.
China’s ‘Dangerous Intercept’ of US Spy Plane
By Zachary Keck
This week a Chinese jet conducted a “dangerous” intercept of a P-8 Poseidon aircraft, the Pentagon announced on Friday.
North Korea Militarizes China Border?
By Zachary Keck
Reports that North Korea has deployed tanks and armored vehicles to its border with China are likely untrue.
Japan Looks to Build Indigenous Fighters
By Ankit Panda
Although it's committed to the F-35, Japan may still build indigenous stealth fighters.
In Iraq, ISIS is Not the United States’ Only Enemy
By J. Michael Cole
The U.S. intervention in Iraq is justified, but U.S. policy elsewhere in the region makes matters difficult.
Chinese Foreign Policy Needs Major Reform
By Dingding Chen
Tao Guang Yang Hui or Fen Fa You Wei? This is the question for China.
China's New Age of Military Diplomacy
By Robert Farley
The PLA has expanded its presence and influence in the international military community over the last year.
India Inaugurates Largest Indigenously Built Warship
By Akhilesh Pillalamarri
Modi uses a warship’s inauguration to articulate a comprehensive vision of India’s defense and maritime strategies.
US, South Korea Begin Annual Joint Exercise
By Ankit Panda
50,000 ROK troops and 30,000 U.S. troops are involved in the 2014 Ulchi Freedom Guardian exercise.
How Will the Ukrainian Crisis Affect Russia's Approach to Asia?
By Robert Farley
How will the conflict in Eastern Ukraine affect Russia’s future engagement with East Asia?
South Korea Eyes Israel’s Iron Dome
By Zachary Keck
The maker of Israel’s Iron Dome anti-missile system claims that South Korea’s military has expressed interest in it.
Kuril Islands Dispute: Back to Gridlock?
By Ankit Panda
It looks like the Kuril Islands dispute will head back to gridlock.
China Is No International Security Free Rider
By Dingding Chen
China’s less militarist approach to international security is a good thing.