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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.
Russian Military Spending Soars
By Zachary Keck
Russia’s defense spending will increase by 18% in 2014, and another 33% over the next two years.
South China Sea: Regional States Push Back Against China
By Carl Thayer
South China Sea claimant states have begun pushing back against China’s assertiveness.
Indonesia Beefs Up Air Force in South China Sea
By Zachary Keck
Indonesia is deploying Su-27s, Su-30s, and AH-64E Apache helicopters to a South China Sea air base.
Japan Orders Military to Shoot Down North Korean Missiles
By Zachary Keck
Japan's decision to shoot down North Korean missiles comes as Pyongyang readies its fourth nuclear test.
North Korea's Drones: Threat or No Threat?
By Ankit Panda
North Korea managed to fly (and crash) a couple rudimentary drones over Seoul. Do its drones pose a threat?
Air Forces and Asia: Interview with Robert Farley
By The Diplomat Staff
The Diplomat speaks with Robert Farley about his case for abolishing the U.S. Air Force.
South Korea Extends Ballistic Missile Range
By Zachary Keck
South Korea says it tested a new ballistic missile with a range of 500 km, and that’s only the start.
Sorry, China Isn’t Winning in Ukraine
By Dingding Chen
The argument that the Ukraine crisis presents a huge opportunity for Beijing is critically flawed.
Prudence and Proportionality on the Korean Peninsula
By Ankit Panda
South Korea responding to North Korean shelling will not be hugely destabilizing.
Say Goodbye to ‘Peaceful Unification’
By J. Michael Cole
The successful occupation of the legislature shows that peaceful unification in the future is a pipe dream.
The New (and Dangerous) Normal in Korea
By Zachary Keck
South Korea will no longer exercise restraint in responding to the North's provocations.
South Korea Takes Delivery of C-130J Super Hercules
By Ankit Panda
South Korea adds a C-130 J, India investigates a C-130 J crash, and more.