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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.
North and South Korea Exchange Fire
By J.T. Quigley
Artillery shells land on both sides of the Northern Limit Line as tensions reach a boiling point.
Hundreds of Thousands Protest Against Trade Pact in Taiwan
By J. Michael Cole
Protests over a Taiwan-China trade pact continued, with up to 350,000 attending a rally outside the Presidential Office.
Russia's Military Begins Massive Nuclear War Drill
By Zachary Keck
On Thursday, 10,000 Russian troops began a drill simulating the massive use of nuclear missiles.
Indian Air Force C-130 Crashes
By Ankit Panda
An Indian Air Force C-130 J aircraft has crashed, killing all five personnel on board.
Russia May Sell China New Advanced Submarines
By Zachary Keck
Russia has announced it will build a new fifth generation, Kalina-class submarine. Will Moscow sell them to China?
Is a Philippine-Vietnam Alliance in the Making?
By Carl Thayer
Trends indicate that cooperation between the Philippines and Vietnam is expanding, but is an alliance on the horizon?
A Lesson From Ukraine: Balance Threats Internally
By Ankit Panda
Russia's invasion of Crimea and Ukraine's lack of preparedness holds some important lessons for other states.
Are Fighters the New Capital Ships?
By Robert Farley
Air war has, in effect, become as costly as naval war. What are the implications for strategy?
North Korea Tests Longest Range Missiles Since 2012
By Zachary Keck
The U.S. is already hinting at additional sanctions following the medium-range ballistic missile tests.
South Korea to Purchase F-35s
By Zachary Keck
South Korea has officially selected the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter to replace its aging F-4 and F-5 fleet.
Japan to Transfer Plutonium Stockpile to the United States
By Ankit Panda
Japan will transfer its Cold War-era weapons-grade plutonium reserves to the United States.
Six Questions About Russia, Crimea, and Ukraine
By Justin McDonnell
Larisa Smirnova speaks on Russian foreign policy, Ukraine, Crimea, Sino-Russian relations, and more.