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.
To Buy or Not to Buy? A Dilemma for Taiwan’s Navy
By J. Michael Cole
Taiwan's Navy is considering the purchase of Oliver Hazard Perry-class frigates. Does it really need them?
Japan to Station Troops on Yonaguni, Near Disputed Islands
By Shannon Tiezzi
Japan will station 100 troops and radar on its westernmost island, located 108 kilometers east of Taiwan.
Philippines Looking to Procure US Hamilton-class Warship
By Ankit Panda
Also, Thailand may build an additional littoral patrol ship, a U.S. general angers China, and the PLA looks to space.
Chinese Strategists Reflect on the First Sino-Japanese War
By Shannon Tiezzi
A collection of essays on the Sino-Japanese War of 1894-95 has obvious implications for modern China.
Japan, South Korea Set Up Diplomatic Channel to Address 'Comfort Women' Issue
By Ankit Panda
This is the first time that the two countries will address the 'comfort women' issue in a diplomatic setting.
Does the US Navy have 10 or 19 Aircraft Carriers?
By Robert Farley
The U.S. Navy operates 19 ships that could be called aircraft carriers, but only considers 10 to be actual carriers.
Russia’s Ukraine Invasion: An Opportunity for America?
By John Allen Gay
If America takes a more global, strategic view, it can make lemonade out of the sour Ukrainian lemon.
Why the Senkaku/Diaoyu Dispute Isn't Going Away Anytime Soon
By Ankit Panda
The dispute over the Senkaku/Diaoyu islands is going to remain a major issue in China-Japan relations for a while.
Russian Su-24 Makes Pass at US Warship in the Black Sea
By Ankit Panda
A Russian Su-24 flew 12 passes over the USS Donald Cook in the Black Sea.
Military Transparency Is Overrated
By Dingding Chen
China has good reasons to remain secretive about its military.
US to Help Taiwan Build Attack Submarines
By Zachary Keck
Taiwan’s defense chief has confirmed that Washington will help Taipei build diesel-electric attack submarines (SSK).
US Drives Down Global Defense Spending
By Zachary Keck
The countries with the 15 largest military budgets in 2013 accounted for a whopping 79 percent of global defense spending.