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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.
Europe Must Make a Realistic Commitment to the Indo-Pacific
By Fred Sengers
Sending a handful of naval ships to visit every two years will not help countries in the Indo-Pacific. European nations should help reduce their economic dependence on China instead.
Philippines Has ‘Secretly Reinforced’ South China Sea Outpost, Report Claims
By Sebastian Strangio
The BRP Sierra Madre, a warship grounded on a shoal in the Spratly Islands, has become the focus of growing tensions with China.
How Did China, India, and the BRICS Approach the Swiss Peace Summit on the Russia-Ukraine War?
By Abhilash Kolekar
None of the BRICS countries endorsed the Joint Communiqué. Can they provide an alternative pathway to peace?
South Korea and the US Should Use the Kim-Putin Bromance
By Mitch Shin
Despite Seoul and Washington’s growing fear of the strengthened ties between Russia and North Korea, there is no need to rule out diplomacy and denuclearization on the Korean Peninsula.
China and the Philippines Inch Closer to Conflict in the South China Sea
By Sebastian Strangio
After eight Philippine marines were injured in a melee with Chinese forces this week, some are questioning the response of Manila's foreign allies.
Putin’s Visit Symbolizes North Korea’s Changing Foreign Policy
By Benjamin Young and Yong Suk Lee
The Russian president’s trip to Pyongyang is a sign of substantial shifts in North Korean ideology and diplomacy. Meanwhile, the U.S. playbook on North Korea has not changed in decades.
China, Philippines Trade Blame for Ship Collision in South China Sea
By Simina Mistreanu and Jim Gomez
Once again, Chinese and Philippine vessels collided during an attempted resupply to Filipino troops at Second Thomas Shoal.
How Venezuela’s Threats Are Restructuring China-Guyana Relations
By Henry Ziemer
The Essequibo dispute showcases the two sides of China’s engagement with Latin America and the Caribbean. Now Beijing is finding it hard to stay in the middle.
China’s Ambitious ‘5G-A’ Plans in Tibet: Strategic Implications for India
By Tenzin Younten
China’s expansion of the “low-altitude economy” with cutting-edge tech has deep implications for its surveillance capabilities along the disputed border.
Rethinking the South China Sea in Indian Maritime Security Strategy
By Araudra Singh
New Delhi's strategic and economic interests in the region will only grow, but there are high barriers to increasing the Indian Navy's role in the South China Sea.
There Is No ‘Secret Agreement’ Between China and the Philippines on Second Thomas Shoal
By Christian Schultheiss
The diplomatic charade masks the key question: Would China refrain from seizing Second Thomas Shoal if the Philippines was forced to withdraw?
China and Equatorial Guinea: Why Their New ‘Comprehensive Strategic Partnership’ Matters
By Ovigwe Eguegu
Is Beijing’s rumored plan for a base in the African country moving closer to fruition?