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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.
Russia's Old, New Doctrine
By Ankit Panda
Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu outlined Russia's new doctrine for the benefit of Arab leaders.
Russia Ends Arms Embargo Against Pakistan
By Zachary Keck
Although the decision will irk India, it is most likely related to the drawdown of NATO forces in Afghanistan.
Beijing Rejects Taiwan’s ‘Greater One China’ Proposal
By J. Michael Cole
Mainland China continues to reject any proposal for reunification outside the "one country, two systems" framework.
Taiwan: An Emerging Asset for Chinese Expansion?
By Shang-su Wu
A cross-Strait political agreement could bolster both Chinese and Taiwanese claims in East Asia.
Japan, Lawfare and the East China Sea
By Christian Le Mière
Tokyo should consider arbitration for its maritime disputes, although not necessarily for the Senkaku/Diaoyu islands.
Japan’s Anti-China Coalition Is Dangerous
By Dingding Chen
Japan’s attempts to assemble an anti-China coalition in the region are dangerous and misguided.
Vietnam Threatens Legal Action Against China
By Zachary Keck
Vietnam appears set to use international law to settle its territorial disputes with China in the South China Sea.
There’s No Obama Doctrine. Period.
By Alex Ward
As his West Point speech reaffirmed, President Obama doesn’t have his own brand of foreign policy.
Shangri-La Dialogue: Making ASEAN Relevant
By John Lee
The bloc has a role in keeping the regional peace, but it must overcome its tendency to paralysis.
Shangri-La Dialogue Highlights Regional Tensions
By Shannon Tiezzi
With numerous Asia-Pacific spats going on, the annual security dialogue in Singapore revealed intra-regional fractures.
Are China and Russia Moving toward a Formal Alliance?
By Dingding Chen
Unlikely in the near future, but the U.S. should not make the strategic mistakes necessary to make it happen
Lawfare or Warfare? Let Impartial Tribunals Cool Asia’s Maritime Disputes
By Jerome A. Cohen
Jerome A. Cohen discusses how international tribunals could help East Asia solve its Law of the Sea crisis.