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.
Japan to Conduct Island Defense Exercise on Uninhabited Island
By Ankit Panda
Japan will conduct its first major island defense exercise, using a real uninhabited island.
Analyzing the US-Philippines Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement
By Carl Thayer
What precisely does the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement between the U.S. and the Philippines do?
China, Russia Military Ties Deepen With Naval Drill in East China Sea
By Zachary Keck
The joint naval drill is another example of the growing military, economic and political ties between China and Russia.
China to Lead World in Drone Production
By Zachary Keck
A state-owned Chinese defense company will comprise over half the UAV market during the next decade.
State Media: China Can’t Stop the F-35
By Zachary Keck
Plus, is China’s military a paper dragon? Wednesday defense and security links.
Taiwan Executes 5 Death Row Inmates as Political Crisis Deepens
By J. Michael Cole
J. Michael Cole reports from Taipei for The Diplomat.
Second Thomas Shoal: The New Battleground
By Darshana M. Baruah
The Second Thomas Shoal is the new flashpoint in the South China Sea. Solving it is vital for the region and the world.
US, Japan to Boost ASEAN Maritime Security
By Scott Cheney-Peters
Hidden in the U.S.-Japan joint statement was a pledge to help Southeast Asia enhance its maritime surveillance.
US Pacific Command Plans Responses for Unilateral Chinese Coercion
By Ankit Panda
In order to boost its credibility, the US is gearing up to respond in kind to unilateral Chinese provocations in Asia.
US-Philippines Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement Bolsters 'Pivot to Asia'
By Ankit Panda
The US-Philippines Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement is a boon to the "Pivot to Asia."
4 Reasons Why Japan (Still) Doubts US Security Assurances
By Dingding Chen
Japan has plenty of good reasons to remain skeptical of the United States' commitment to its security.
CSTO Looks Away From NATO and Toward SCO
By Ankit Panda
The Russia-led military alliance has given up all pretenses of cooperation with NATO and will look toward the SCO.