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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.
The Changing Nature of Airpower, Seapower And Strategic Theory
By Robert Farley
Expanding the zone of expertise on maritime, aerospace, and strategic affairs will elevate and broaden the conversation
Global Space Spending Drops For First Time Since 1995
By Ankit Panda
Also, China's Hongdu L-15 is back in production, USS Taylor runs aground, PLA soldiers getting too big. Links.
China’s Military Trains for War Against Japan
By Zachary Keck
A senior US military official says the PLA has been holding exercises to practice seizing islands in the East China Sea.
Japan, ASEAN Discuss Defense Exports, Disaster Relief Cooperation
By Ankit Panda
Japanese and ASEAN officials met to discuss potential Japanese defense exports.
Tensions Set To Rise In The South China Sea
By Carl Thayer
A series of recent events points to a declining state of stability and security in the South China Sea.
America and China’s Perception Problems
By Harry Kazianis
Around the world China is increasingly seen as the bully while the U.S. seems more and more irresolute.
PLA to Build a Hong Kong Port
By Zachary Keck
Hong Kong’s Town Planning Board unanimously approved a plan for a PLA military port in the city’s harbor.
Australia Startled by Chinese Naval Excursion
By Henry Lawton
Time to consider how best to respond to muscle flexing by the Chinese navy in Australia’s backyard.
Cross-Strait Talks: A Propaganda Coup for Beijing
By J. Michael Cole
The most significant result of the February 2014 cross-strait talks is just how much Beijing gained in propaganda terms.
Iran Tests Long-Range Ballistic Missiles
By Ankit Panda
The Iranian military successfully tested two new indigenous long-range missiles.
US Admiral: ‘We Would Help’ Philippines Against China
By Shannon Tiezzi
A U.S. admiral's security assurance to the Philippines was not as firm as recent commitments to Japan and South Korea.
Japan Mulling Lifting Defense Export Ban: 'Proactive Pacifism' In Action?
By Ankit Panda
Shinzo Abe and the LDP are out to remove Japan's ban on defense exports. Is this "proactive pacifism" or something else?