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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.
Four Flashpoints to Watch in 2014
By Harry Kazianis
After a tense 2013, don’t expect the Asia-Pacific to be any less fraught next year.
Japan and the United States Renew Commitments to Maritime Security
By Carl Thayer
The U.S. and Japan have taken to strengthening their alliances across Southeast Asia.
"Smart Power" And Humanitarian Assistance
By Robert Farley
The United States has a robust humanitarian assistance capacity in the Pacific and it has multiple objectives.
Taiwan Acquires Submarine-Launched Anti-Ship Missiles
By Zachary Keck
Taiwan announced this week that the U.S. has begun delivering UGM-84L sub-launched Harpoon Block II missiles.
Pakistan Begins Producing Block-II JF-17 Aircraft
By Ankit Panda
The Block-II variant of the JF-17s entered production recently, with more advanced weapon systems and avionics.
As China Rides High, a Downcast Taiwan Becomes More Vulnerable
By J. Michael Cole
China is convinced that history is on its side and that its political system is best – what does this mean for Taiwan?
Did China Just Clone a Black Hawk Helicopter?
By Zachary Keck
China conducted the first flight test of its new Z-20, which has a similar exterior to the US-made Black Hawk.
USS Cowpens Incident: Rule Bending in the South China Sea
By Robert Farley
The incident stems in part from a desire in China to push back against the United States.
Air-Sea Battle to Cost $524.5 Billion Through 2023
By Zachary Keck
A new report finds the U.S. Navy and Air Force will spend more on ASB than the nuclear triad over the next decade.
An Inevitable Headache: US Allies Sell Defense Technology to China
By Ankit Panda
European and Israeli plans to do defense commerce with China could be a major headache for the United States.
China to Sell Bangladesh 2 Submarines
By Zachary Keck
In a move certain to unnerve India, Beijing will sell Dhaka two Ming-class submarines for $203.3 million.
India and China Are Not Destined to Clash
By Oliver Stuenkel
In Samudra Manthan, C. Raja Mohan predicts that Sino-Indo rivalry will extend to the maritime domain. That's questionable.