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.
Taiwan to Simulate Chinese Aircraft Carrier Assault
By Zachary Keck
Taiwan's annual computer-aided war games will simulate a PLA assault led by its carrier, the Liaoning.
ASEAN and UN Peacekeeping
By Carl Thayer
ASEAN will slowly develop and evolve regional peacekeeping coordination capacity.
Japan’s Defense Minister Kept Busy as Obama Visits Asia
By Victor Robert Lee
Itsunori Onodera has spent the week bolstering Japan’s defenses, but was not helped by his colleagues.
Australia to Purchase 58 More F-35 Fighters
By Zachary Keck
On Wednesday Australia announced it will buy 58 additional F-35s joint strike fighters for $12.4 billion.
The Missing Ingredient for an Asian NATO
By Robert Farley
An Asian NATO won't be possible for some time without a change in how states conceptualize their security needs.
Small But Positive Signs at Western Pacific Naval Symposium
By Shannon Tiezzi
The biennial meeting of naval officials from the Western Pacific approved a new communication agreement.
North Korea's Punggye-ri Nuclear Test Site Shows Signs of Activity
By Ankit Panda
North Korea tested its weapons in 2006, 2009, and 2013 at Punggye-ri. Is another test in the works?
India Prepares Long-Range Missile Defense Test
By Zachary Keck
In the coming weeks, India will test its anti-ballistic missile system as well as new two missiles.
The Myth of Chinese Assertiveness
By Björn Jerdén
Frequent claims that China has grown more assertive since 2009 ignore the historical record.
2 Ways Obama Can Strengthen the Pivot
By Harry Kazianis
During Obama’s “great reassurance tour” in Asia this week, he should focus on the TPP and the status-quo.
Why Is China Talking Tough?
By Dingding Chen
Forget nationalism, China is talking tough in order to demonstrate resolve and therefore deter the U.S.
US Navy’s LCS Is Unfit for the Asia-Pacific
By Zachary Keck
A new Congressional report says the Littoral Combat Ship is not suited for operations in the 7th Fleet.