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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.
Japan To Formally Nationalize 280 Islands
By Ankit Panda
Japan will nationalize 280 islands within its exclusive economic zone, according to a senior official.
Indonesia Might Purchase Russian Su-35 Fighters
By Zachary Keck
Indonesia might buy Sukhoi Su-35 multirole fighters to replacing its aging F-5s, its defense minister has announced.
US to Spend $1 Trillion on Nukes
By Zachary Keck
The U.S. will spend $1 trillion over the next 30 years maintaining and modernizing its nukes, according to a new report.
Former US Defense Secretary Robert Gates Slams Obama's Leadership
By Ankit Panda
Minimum credible deterrence in South Asia, India-Japan relations, and Chinese parts in the F-35. Mid-week links.
China’s North Korea Opportunity
By Harry Kazianis
Will 2014 be the year that China finally reins in its dangerous neighbor in Pyongyang?
South Korea to Purchase Israeli Spike Missiles
By Zachary Keck
According to news reports, South Korea will buy additional precision-guided missiles from Israel.
Taiwanese Intelligence Accused of Meddling in Hong Kong
By J. Michael Cole
Beijing accused Taiwan of seeking to create “chaos” in the territory to discredit the one country, two systems formula.
Southeast Asian States Deploy Conventional Submarines
By Carl Thayer
Southeast Asian states continue to procure submarines for a variety of strategic goals.
Senkaku Weirdness to Start Off the Year
By J. Michael Cole
The East China Sea has already seen a number of surprises in 2014.
UAVs and the F-35: Partners in Air Power?
By Robert Farley
What role will drones play in planning for high intensity war in the Pacific?
Rhyme and Reason: Why 2014 Doesn’t Have to be 1914
By Mira Rapp-Hooper
Margaret Macmillan recently warned there are dangerous parallels between the year WWI broke out and today.
India to Procure Israeli Barak-I Missiles
By Ankit Panda
A few defense and security links to round off 2013. Happy New Year!