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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.
Vietnam, China and the Oil Rig Crisis: Who Blinked?
By Carl Thayer
Did Vietnam buckle under Chinese pressure or did China blink?
Chinese Hackers Target Israel’s Iron Dome
By Zachary Keck
A PLA cyber unit targeted Israeli defense companies involved in developing the coveted Iron Dome missile defense system.
Vietnam to Acquire Japanese Maritime Surveillance Ships
By Ankit Panda
Japan will sell Vietnam six used maritime surveillance vessels in a deal worth $5 million.
Japan Names Senkaku/Diaoyu Islands
By Zachary Keck
In a move that will almost certainly anger China, Japan announced Friday that it is naming five of the disputed islands.
Japan, France to Enhance Defense Cooperation
By Ankit Panda
Plus, Benigno Aquino dispels coup rumors, Afghanistan and the Marshall Plan, and Central Asia's fate. Defense links.
The Specter of North Korean ICBMs
By Clint Richards
With sanctions unable to stop Pyongyang’s weapons program, the U.S. needs a new policy.
Japan, US Conduct Amphibious Landing Exercises
By Ankit Panda
The exercises took place on the sidelines of RIMPAC 2014.
Should China Care About the Future of Its Airpower?
By Robert Farley
There's little reason for China to concern itself with its air force's organization structure at this point.
US Welcomes China’s RIMPAC Spying
By Zachary Keck
The top U.S. military leader in the Pacific sees a silver lining in China’s military surveillance of RIMPAC.
No, China Did Not Blink by Removing Its Oil Rig
By Dingding Chen
Like the decision to install the oil rig, the removal is also part of long-term strategic plan. It will come back.
China Conducted Anti-Satellite Missile Test
By Zachary Keck
The U.S. says that China conducted an anti-satellite missile test last week, not a ballistic missile defense test.
Japan Sanctions Russia Over Ukraine
By Ankit Panda
New Japanese sanctions against Russia lower hopes for a resolution to the Kuril Islands dispute between the two countries.