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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.
Crimea Could Weaken Russia's Pacific Fleet
By Robert Farley
In response to its invasion of Crimea, the EU will likely bar the sale of a pair of French Mistral warships.
Asia-Pacific Continues to Lead Global Weapons Imports
By Ankit Panda
India, China and Pakistan lead for global arms imports. The Asia-Pacific accounts for 47 percent of all imports.
Australia's Army and a Balanced Defense
By Justin Goldman
The current Army chief will leave the service better prepared for future challenges.
F-35 Secrets in China's J-20?
By Ankit Panda
Plus, North Korea may be in the clear in Libya, NATO's plans for nuclear bomb integration, and more.
Russia in Crimea: When States Act Out of Insecurity
By Ankit Panda
Did Western policymakers in Ukraine forget that security is often the greatest foreign policy motivator?
Taiwan Receives First ‘Carrier Killer’ Ship
By Zachary Keck
The Tuo River, the first of twelve 500-ton stealthy twin-hull missile corvettes, has been delivered to the ROC Navy.
US-Philippines Reach Deal on US Military Access
By Zachary Keck
Manila will welcome the U.S. military back to the country after ejecting it in 1992.
Pentagon North Korea Report for 2013: Unimpressive Hardware, Focus on Cyber Attacks
By Ankit Panda
The Pentagon's annual report on the North Korean military is dismissive of its hardware.
August 2014: The New Deadline for the US-Afghanistan Bilateral Security Agreement?
By Ankit Panda
The top U.S. commander in Afghanistan sees August 2014 as the last possible date for the bilateral security agreement.
Two Faces of North Korea’s Missile Launches
By Hyunmin Kang
Another provocation from Pyongyang, but the words this time around are interesting.
Second Thomas Shoal Tensions Intensify
By Zachary Keck
The Philippines, China, and the U.S. are upping a war of words over Beijing’s blocking of Filipino civilian vessels.
What is the US Air Force's New Bomber For?
By Robert Farley
The USAF's next generation bomber will cost between $550 and $810 million – does it have a niche to fill?