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.
3 Reasons Senkaku/Diaoyu Diplomacy Should Be Secret
China and Japan are right to insist on secrecy in discussing how to resolve the East China Sea dispute.
China to Japan: Shooting Down Drones Would Be Act of War
Plus, South Korea hopes to deploy two light aircraft carriers by 2036. Monday defense links.
India: Defeating the Cruise Missile Threat
The country may need to look beyond a conventional defense, to deterrence by punishment.
Why is China Isolating Japan and the Philippines?
Even as they charm other nations, Chinese leaders have continued tensions with Manila and Tokyo.
Japan’s Future Marines to Conduct Massive Island Landing Drill
Next month 34,000 troops from the the Self-Defense Forces will conduct an island landing drill on Okinawa.
China-ASEAN Joint Development Overshadowed by South China Sea
China has made much of deals it’s signed with ASEAN. There’s less here than meets the eye.
South Korea Eyes F-35 Fighter Jets
Plus, can the U.S. build an effective Pacific strategy for the 21st Century? Thursday defense links.
In Defense of Drones
If terrorists must be killed, then drones are the preferred tool for doing the job.
Indian PM Signs Border Defense Agreement with China
The agreement should improve communication between the two militaries.
Why South Korea’s Building an Impressive Navy
Some argue the ROK Navy’s rising power is pointless. But there are multiple purposes to navies.
Lifting the Veil on China’s “Carrier-Killer”
A new report traces the DF-21D’s origins, developments and possible uses in combat conditions.
Experts Disagree on Recent North Korean Nuke Advances
New research on North Korea’s nuclear program has caused a disagreement between experts on policy ramifications.