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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 Korean Official: Up to United States What ‘Christmas Gift’ It Receives
By Ankit Panda
The warning may foreshadow further missile testing or another demonstration before the end of the year.
Sri Lanka’s New Government Seems Serious About Revisiting the Hambantota Deal With China
By Ankit Panda
The infamous 99-year-lease on the port to a Chinese state firm may see an update if the new government in Colombo has its way.
North Korea‘s Warning to Japan‘s Abe on Ballistic Missiles Should Be Taken Seriously
By Ankit Panda
Is North Korea warning Japan of launches to come?
Will the Impeachment Inquiry Against Trump Influence the Korean Peace Process?
By Ildar Daminov
Current prospects for the Korean peace process do not look promising and the impeachment inquiry against Trump makes them even more bleak.
Confucius Institutes as State Policy: Clumsy or Effective Purveyors of Influence?
By Robert Farley
How can American and other educational institutions coexist with political endeavors like China’s Confucius Institutes?
What Shapes India’s View on the Quad?
By Ameya Pratap Singh
Assessing the logic of alliances outside of the West.
Japan, South Korea Scramble Fighter Jets Against 2 Russian Strategic Bombers
By Franz-Stefan Gady
The two Russian bombers and escort aircraft were conducting a 10-hour flight over the Sea of Japan and East China Sea.
How Industry Can Step Up for Naval Needs: The Case of the Makassar-class
By Robert Farley
The case of the Makassar-class is a case study in industry stepping up to the plate for the needs of small navies.
South Korea Expresses ‘Regret’ at North Korean Violation of 2018 Military Agreement
By Ankit Panda
Kim Jong Un oversaw live-fire coastal artillery drills that Seoul sees as a violation of a September 2018 agreement.
Dealing With Piracy in Asia Requires Clear Data
By Robert Farley
Can scholars play a more prominent role in regional discussions on piracy?
China’s Growing Amphib Fleet: A Cause for Long-Term Concern?
By Robert Farley
Is the People’s Liberation Army Navy’s growing set of amphibious capabilities a game-changer?
South Korea Faces Major Decision Over Military Pact With Japan
By Associated Press
A look at the General Security of Military Intelligence Agreement, or GSOMIA, which expires on Saturday unless Seoul renews it.