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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.
Tokyo’s Subtle Revolution
By Nick Bisley
Abe’s Constitutional reinterpretation will have profound implications for the Asia-Pacific.
India’s Modi Approves Aircraft Carrier Funding
By Zachary Keck
This week Modi agreed to release $3.18 billion to finish construction of India’s first indigenous carrier.
Russia Threatens Nuclear Strikes Over Crimea
By Zachary Keck
Russian FM Lavrov warned that Russia could resort to nuclear weapons if Ukraine tried to retake Crimea.
Where Would Beijing Use External Distractions?
By J. Michael Cole
Should the CCP find itself in dire straits, could provoking external conflicts boost its legitimacy at home?
Managing the United States' Global Naval Partnerships
By Robert Farley
The U.S. Navy has decisions to make on cooperation with other global navies. Will it make the right ones?
Government Narratives in Maritime Disputes
By Mina Pollmann
Malaysia and Vietnam show the role politicians can play in ratcheting up or down tensions.
Why Are Chinese Cyberspies Targeting US Think Tanks?
By Ankit Panda
Chinese hackers broke into U.S. think tanks to access information about U.S. plans for Iraq.
Australia and Japan to Ink Submarine Deal
By Zachary Keck
Prime Ministers Shinzo Abe and Tony Abbott will sign an agreement to open up cooperation on producing submarines.
Japan and North Korea: Balancing Trilateral Deterrence and Bilateral Progress
By Ankit Panda
Is Japan leaving Seoul and Washington in the cold as it pursues diplomacy with North Korea?
Is a China-South Korea Alliance Possible?
By Dingding Chen
Though unlikely in the short run, a Sino-South Korean alliance is a real possibility down the line.
For Japan, What Comes After Collective Self-Defense?
By Ankit Panda
Why the U.S. and Russia should cooperate on n-security, Iran in Iraq, and Zheng He. Weekend links.
Northeast Asia's Diplomatic Status Quo Persists
By Ankit Panda
There is a flurry of diplomatic activity in Northeast Asia this week, but are things really changing?