Blog
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.
Pakistan, China Conclude Shaheen-III Air Exercise
By Ankit Panda
The Pakistani and Chinese air forces honed their interoperability with the Shaheen-III exercise.
Where Was the Rebalance to Asia in Obama’s West Point Speech?
By Shannon Tiezzi
Obama's foreign policy address offered little clarity (or emphasis) on America's role in the Asia-Pacific.
Chinese Ship Rams and Sinks Vietnamese Fishing Boat in South China Sea
By Ankit Panda
The sinking of a Vietnamese fishing boat by a Chinese vessel will keep tensions high between China and Vietnam.
What Are the Limits of Legitimate Economic Espionage?
By Robert Farley
Global norms protecting foreign intellectual property are a recent development and aren't widely accepted.
Vietnam Mulling New Strategies to Deter China
By Carl Thayer
What is Vietnam's strategy for resisting Chinese coercion?
Shangri-La Dialogue: Beijing’s Iron Fist in a Velvet Glove
By Nick Bisley and Brendan Taylor
China’s approach to this year’s Dialogue is communicating a simple message.
Modi is NOT India’s Shinzo Abe
By Jeffrey W. Hornung and Shyam Tekwani
Despite obvious similarities, Modi and Abe differ substantially. Still, Indo-Japanese ties will flourish under them.
Wake Up, Washington: All's Not Well in Taiwan
By J. Michael Cole
Unless Washington quickly modernizes its views on current realities in the Taiwan Strait, it will be caught unprepared.
Iran Boosts Its A2/AD Capabilities
By Shahryar Pasandideh
Iran is developing new missile technologies to improve its ability to wage asymmetrical warfare.
Robert Gates: Most Countries Conduct Economic Espionage
By Zachary Keck
The former defense secretary says that as many as 15 countries use espionage to steal US trade secrets and technology.
What Are the Boundaries of 'Legitimate' Espionage?
By Robert Farley
Using espionage for gain in negotiations is an age-old tactic.
Indonesia to Conduct Massive Military Drill
By Zachary Keck
Indonesia is preparing for a large, joint military drill in East Java that will begin next month.