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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.
Report: Chinese Warship Warned Commercial Vessel Away From Scarborough Shoal
By Ankit Panda
A late-September incident underscores threats to commercial free navigation in the disputed waters of the South China Sea.
History’s First Seaborne Airstrike Took Place in East Asia
By Franz-Stefan Gady
The world’s first naval-launched air raid took place during the siege of Tsingtao in the first year of World War I.
Security Firm Says Chinese Hackers Intercepted Text Messages
By Associated Press
FireEye did not specify the victims of the espionage, but said some were “high-value” targets.
Norea Korea Fires 2 Missiles in the Sea Amid Stalled Talks
By Associated Press
The launches followed statements of displeasure by top North Korean officials over the slow pace of nuclear negotiations with the United States.
Is the US Losing the Artificial Intelligence Arms Race?
By James Johnson
As Chinese and Russian technologies become more sophisticated, they threaten U.S. domination of technological innovation and development.
Indian Nuclear Power Facility Denies Unverified Reports of a Cyber Attack
By Ankit Panda
Authorities at the Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant pushed back on reports of a cyber intrusion.
2 Russian Strategic Bombers Conduct Night Flight Over Indian Ocean
By Franz-Stefan Gady
The two nuclear-capable aircraft were en route to South Africa as part of an effort to deepen military ties between the Russian and South African air forces.
The Battle of Leyte Gulf’s Limited Tactical Legacy
By Robert Farley
What lessons do we take from the Battle of Leyte Gulf?
Russia’s Northern Sea Route Faces Setbacks, Low Interest
By Steven Stashwick
Despite warming Arctic, competition among great powers remains cool.
Leyte Gulf: Lost in History?
By Robert Farley
The greatest naval battle of the modern era is under-remembered.
South Korea Scrambles Fighter Jets Against Russian Bombers
By Franz-Stefan Gady
Six Russian military aircraft were reportedly intercepted by South Korean fighter jets after they reportedly entered South Korea’s air space identification zone.
How a Chinese Invasion of Taiwan Could Destabilize Japan
By Travis Sanderson
In the event of an invasion, Taiwanese with the financial resources to do so would likely flee to Japan. Is Tokyo ready?