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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 Goes Nuclear: A Postmortem
By Denny Roy
How was North Korea able to attain nuclear missiles, despite U.S. opposition, when so many other countries have failed to do so?
US Navy Sends Two Independence-Class Littoral Combat Ships to South China Sea
By Franz-Stefan Gady
Two U.S. Navy littoral combat ships have been conducting missions in the contested waters this month.
Taliban Free US, Australian Hostage for 3 Taliban Figures
By Associated Press
The prisoner exchange is envisioned as a way to restart diplomacy after U.S.-Taliban talks faltered in September.
Will Gotabaya Revisit Sri Lanka’s Hambantota ‘Debt Trap’ With China?
By Ankit Panda
The new president’s election manifesto pledged to “revisit” the 99 year lease transfer of Hambantota port.
China’s Indigenous Carrier Transits Taiwan Strait
By Ankit Panda
The transit comes shortly after President Tsai Ing-wen announced her running mate.
US Defense Secretary: US Could Alter Military Drills to Boost North Korea Talks
By Associated Press
Mark Esper said that he is open to the possibility of altering U.S. military activities in South Korea if it would help advance a diplomatic deal with North Korea.
US Intermediate-Range Missiles in East Asia: Critical Deterrent or Needless Provocation?
By Steven Stashwick
It isn’t clear that the United States necessarily needs land-based intermediate missiles to achieve the missions they are envisioned for.
Vietnam Needs to ‘Struggle’ More in the South China Sea
By Derek Grossman
Assessing Hanoi’s strategy after the Vanguard Bank standoff with China.
Authoritative North Korean Statement Warns US of ‘Greater Threat’ If Talks Fail
By Ankit Panda
In a rare move, the statement was attributed to a spokesman for the powerful State Affairs Commission of North Korea.
Chinese National Pleads Guilty to Stealing Trade Secrets From US Petroleum Company
By Ankit Panda
Hongjin Tan, a 35-year-old Chinese national, is charged with stealing trade secrets from a U.S. petroleum company.
India to Kick off Military Exercise Involving 40,000 Troops Near Pakistan’s Border
By Franz-Stefan Gady
A corps level exercise of the Indian Army will be held from November 13 to 18 in Rajasthan.
Death of a Caliph: The Islamic State in Khorasan Province After al-Baghdadi
By Saurav Sarkar
ISKP continues to pose a real threat to Afghanistan, despite al-Baghdadi’s death.