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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.
North Korea’s Nuclear Buildup Means Mutually Assured Destruction, Not Coercion
By Denny Roy
North Koreans have reasons to believe a large and highly survivable nuclear arsenal is necessary to deter the United States from attacking their country.
How Asia-Pacific States Voted on the UN’s Israel-Palestine Resolution
By Shannon Tiezzi
Like the rest of the world, most Asia-Pacific states supported the resolution, making the exceptions especially interesting.
Deciphering the Changing Contours of the China-US Chip War
By Megha Shrivastava
The latest U.S. restrictions on China's semiconductor industry aim to plug loopholes, but will create new ones in turn.
Russian Defense Minister Uses Stage at Chinese Military Forum to Accuse US of Fueling Tensions
By Simina Mistreanu
Sergei Shoigu also accused NATO of trying to expand its footprint in the Asia-Pacific under the pretense of seeking dialogue and collaboration with regional countries.
US Military Says Chinese Fighter Jet Came Within 10 Feet of B-52 Bomber Over South China Sea
By David Rising
In the night intercept, the Shenyang J-11 twin-engine fighter closed on the U.S. Air Force plane at an "uncontrolled excessive speed… putting both aircraft in danger of a collision.”
South Korea, US, and Japan Condemn North Korea’s Alleged Supply of Munitions to Russia
By Hyung-Jin Kim
North Korea and Russia – both locked in separate confrontations with the U.S. and its allies – have recently taken steps to strengthen their military ties.
Holding the Line Against China’s Maritime Bullying: The Philippines Sets a New Standard
By Lisa Curtis
The Philippines’ bold and creative moves to defy China provide a powerful example to the other Southeast Asian nations on how they, too, can resist Chinese interference.
Amid War and Uncertainty, India’s Middle East Interests Evolve
By Seamus Duffy
If New Delhi cannot insulate itself from the ongoing Israeli-Iranian tensions, then no amount of hedging or switching between strategic initiatives will bring its ambitions to fruition.
Why Does Lithuania Need an Indo-Pacific Strategy?
By John Garrick and Konstantinas Andrijauskas
Several European countries have released their own Indo-Pacific strategies, but Lithuania's stands out in using particularly strong language regarding China.
Don’t Count on China’s Belt and Road Initiative to Disappear
By Jacob Gunter
The BRI is not set to fade away. It has already changed China’s position in the world, and it will continue to do so moving forward.
Philippine Military to Create ‘Cyber Command’ to Combat Online Attacks
By Sebastian Strangio
Gen. Romeo Brawner said that the country is being subject to daily attacks by malicious actors, some of them foreign.
Evidence Shows Hamas Militants Likely Used Some North Korean Weapons in Attack on Israel
By Hyung-jin Kim, Kim Tong-hyung and Jon Gambrell
Video and weapons seized suggest that Hamas using Pyongyang's F-7 rocket-propelled grenade, a shoulder-fired weapon that fighters typically use against armored vehicles.