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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.
Indonesia and Saudi Arabia Sign Defense Cooperation Agreement
By Ankit Panda
Saudi Arabia and Indonesia signed their first defense cooperation agreement.
Saudi Arabia May Buy Pakistani-Chinese Fighter Jets
By Zachary Keck
Riyadh is reportedly interested in purchasing the JF-17 Thunder fighters that China and Pakistan jointly produced.
Protecting the Digital Domain
By Narain D. Batra
The importance of cyberspace is such that it cannot be left undefended.
China Touts Nuclear ICBM Drill
By Ankit Panda
Plus, a U.S. nuclear forces review is imminent, Indonesia's military has big plans, and Afghanistan's future.
Pentagon: 10,000 Troops Or Nothing In Afghanistan
By Ankit Panda
A Pentagon proposal to the White House calls to maintain 10,000 troops or zero in Afghanistan–no in-betweens.
Is US Pacific “Dominance” Up For Grabs?
By Harry Kazianis
Admiral Locklear rightly raised alarm bells over America’s traditional regional dominance. Are policymakers listening?
Iran’s Navy Deploys to Atlantic Ocean
By Zachary Keck
Iran on Tuesday sent two warships to the Atlantic Ocean for the first time.
China to Begin Regular Patrols of the South China Sea
By Zachary Keck
Plus, India will begin serial production of its Agni-IV nuclear capable missile. Tuesday defense links.
China's Building Second Aircraft Carrier
By Zachary Keck
A provincial party leader confirms China has begun construction on its second aircraft carrier.
Wishlist For A New Naval Cooperative Strategy
By Robert Farley
The U.S. Navy will soon release an update to the Cooperative Strategy for 21st Century Seapower.
China Confirms Hypersonic Missile Test
By Zachary Keck
China's Ministry of National Defense confirmed the ultra-high speed missile test, but said it wasn't directed at the US.
Taiwan Unveils ‘Wan Chien’ Air-To-Ground Cruise Missile
By J. Michael Cole
Taiwan's new air-to-ground cruise missile could play a major role in any military confrontation with China.