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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.
After 5G, Space Opens a New Frontier in US-China Rivalry
By Nicholas Borroz
Countries must act now to preserve freedom of choice in the cosmos.
Decoding Australia’s Strange Silence Over China’s Transgressions in the South China Sea
By Tuan Anh Luc
What will it take for Canberra to pipe up?
China Rejects Request for Hong Kong Port Call of 2 US Navy Warships
By Franz-Stefan Gady
The Chinese government has rejected a request to have two U.S. warships make port visits to Hong Kong in the coming weeks.
Why Are the Taliban Reluctant to Declare a Ceasefire?
By Daud Khattak
It's not only a negotiating tactic. There's real fear on the Taliban's end about what happens after the guns go silent.
US, Canadian Fighter Jets Intercept 2 Russian Strategic Bombers Off Alaska
By Franz-Stefan Gady
The two bombers entered Alaskan and Canadian air defense identification zones, according to the U.S. military.
China Issues Statement Condemning Indian Decision to Bifurcate Kashmir
By Ankit Panda
China sees its claims in Kashmir threatened by New Delhi’s move.
Australia, South Korea Say No to Deployment of US INF-Range Missiles on Their Soil
By Franz-Stefan Gady
Canberra and Seoul said that they won’t be hosting any U.S. ground-based mid-range missiles.
North Korea Accuses US, South Korea of Violating 2018 Declarations
By Ankit Panda
The statement suggested diplomacy would remain “invisible” as long as U.S.-South Korea exercises continued.
Modi-fying Kashmir: Unpacking India’s Historic Decision to Revoke Kashmir’s Autonomy
By Abhijnan Rej
What are the likely short- and long-term effects of the Modi government’s decision?
US Defense Secretary: ‘We Would Like’ New Post-INF Treaty Missile Capabilities in Asia
By Ankit Panda
Mark T. Esper made the comments shortly after the United States’ withdrawal from the Cold War-era treaty was made official.
Japan and South Korea Are Learning the Wrong Lessons From China
By Mercedes Trent
The adoption of a rival’s coercive tactics by a U.S. ally is alarming.
North Korea Launches Ballistic Missiles for Second Time in a Week
By Ankit Panda
The missiles remain unidentified, but may be the KN23 short-range ballistic missiles.