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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.
Why a US-China Détente Is Coming in 2021: The Failure of Trump’s Policy
By Dingding Chen
Trump's policy of suppressing China has not been effective, and the structural contradictions between China and the United States have not yet reached a true tipping point.
Can China Be Compelled Into Arms Control?
By Robert Farley
There is little reason to believe that Chinese leaders will see incentives to enter arms control arrangements anytime soon.
Will Trump’s Arms Control Dreams for China Come True? Absolutely Not
By Robert Farley
China has no interest in the kind of arms control being discussed by the Trump administration.
India Expands Diplomatic Efforts Amid Border Standoff With China
By Rajeswari Pillai Rajagopalan
New Delhi has been sending Beijing signals via its diplomatic interactions with the U.S., Taiwan, and Australia in recent weeks.
US UN Ambassador Pushes Back on Chinese South China Sea Claims
By Ankit Panda
The note evoked the July 12, 2016, ruling by an international tribunal on maritime entitlements in the South China Sea.
Can US-China-Russia Arms Control Really Work?
By Robert Farley
Trilateral arms control may be imaginable, but that doesn’t mean it’s likely.
The 3 Flashpoints That Could Turn a US-China ‘Cold War’ Hot
By Daniel Russel
Beware the crisis hiding in plain sight.
Top US, UK, Australia, Canada, New Zealand Officials Discuss Hong Kong
By Ankit Panda
The five countries discussed Hong Kong alongside other global issues.
Indonesia Cites 2016 South China Sea Arbitral Tribunal Award at UN. Is That a Big Deal?
By Ankit Panda
Is Jakarta’s move an extension of existing policy or a change?
What Is China Saying About the China-India Border Stand-Off?
By Antara Ghosal Singh
On the Chinese internet, the Nepal-India territorial dispute is seen as a direct contributing factor to the recent flare-up on the Sino-Indian border.
Is the ‘1992 Consensus‘ Fading Away in the Taiwan Strait?
By Derek Grossman
Beijing and Taipei‘s nebulous common understanding is not what it used to be.
Why Did the Chinese Coast Guard Pursue a Japanese Fishing Boat in the East China Sea?
By Tetsuo Kotani
Beijing’s behavior is increasingly ominous.