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.
North Korea Almost Shot Down a Chinese Jet
By Zachary Keck
A North Korean missile narrowly missed a South China Airlines plane carrying 220 civilians this week.
China’s Maritime Expansion: Exploiting Regional Weakness?
By Nah Liang Tuang
A recent naval voyage may have been an attempt to make regional maritime dominance a fait accompli.
Can the US Afford the Asia Pivot?
By Zachary Keck
A senior U.S. defense official says the Asia pivot “can’t happen” if budget cuts continue.
From Ukraine With Love: 4 Lessons for Geopolitics
By Harry Kazianis
Here are four lessons Asia watchers should learn from the events unfolding in the Ukraine.
Xi Jinping: China Should Become a 'Cyber Power'
By Ankit Panda
Xi Jinping has great ambitions for China in cyberspace.
Taliban Talks: Negotiating With an Undisciplined Foe
By Ankit Panda
The Taliban doesn't have the ability to control itself, undermining any attempts at negotiation and reconciliation.
Unmanned Combat Aircraft System: Will It Ever Materialize?
By Harry Kazianis
An unmanned combat aircraft system would enhance America’s Pacific posture. Still, we’re unlikely to ever see it.
Taiwan Asserts Itself in East China Sea
By Zachary Keck
The Taiwanese Coast Guard and Military conducted a simulated fire drill and patrols in the East China Sea last week.
Should the U.S. Move the Marines to Guam?
By Michael J. Lostumbo
The U.S. needs to rethink the way it defines the contribution the Marines make to its rebalance.
'Speak Softly and Carry a Big Stick’: What is Malaysia Playing At?
By Carl Thayer
Malaysia and China have had maritime run-ins with mixed results. What is Malaysia's endgame in the South China Sea?
Russia Says It's Building Naval Bases in Asia, Latin America
By Zachary Keck
Russia’s defense minister says the country will soon build military bases everywhere from Vietnam to Cuba.
North Korea Launches Four Short-Range Missiles
By Ankit Panda
The missile launch follows a naval provocation earlier this week.