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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.
The US, South Korea and Japan Conduct Naval Drills in a Show of Strength Against North Korea
By Kim Tong-hyung
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has been on a provocative run of weapons testing and threats that raised regional tensions to their highest point in years.
Expect North Korean Provocations in Low Earth Orbit
By John Hickman
Space is a new realm for Pyongyang to engage in its strategy of extracting diplomatic or economic concessions from the United States and South Korea.
Why Is Sri Lanka Joining US-led Patrols in the Red Sea?
By Uditha Devapriya
The decision to deploy vessels to the Red Sea has turned the Sri Lankan Navy into an active participant in the tensions mushrooming in the region.
India’s Quiet Support of the Philippines in the South China Sea
By Shambhu Sajith and Aswani RS
India is taking a greater interest in the China-Philippines maritime dispute, but is content to play “second fiddle” as an extra-regional actor.
Navigating South China Sea Security in 2024
By Sophie Wushuang Yi
A look back at the strategic dynamics of the maritime disputes in 2023, and what we might expect in the new year.
Can 2024 Bring a New Breakthrough in China-India Relations?
By Ivan Lidarev
There was no thaw, but 2023 brought some promising stabilization in the relationship between Beijing and New Delhi.
Women Bear the Brunt of Asia’s Climate Failures
By Gabriela Fernando and Samanthi Gunawardana
What does the future hold for the millions of women left to work in Asia's agriculture sector battling a climate in collapse?
Sino-Indian Border Infrastructure in the Indian Defense Ministry’s Year End Review
By Rajeswari Pillai Rajagopalan
Given the state of bilateral relations between India and China, New Delhi is doubling down on its efforts regarding strategic border infrastructure.
India’s Space Program in 2023: Taking Stock
By Namrata Goswami
2023 witnessed some rather game-changing updates to India’s space vision.
The China-Philippines South China Sea Face-Off Requires Restraint
By Sarang Shidore
The Philippines and the U.S. are on solid legal ground, but what is lawful is not always wise.
Another Launch for China’s Reusable Space Plane
By Rajeswari Pillai Rajagopalan
In some ways, China’s Shenlong is similar to the U.S. X-37B reusable space plane, whose planned operations and capabilities have similarly remained unclear.
What’s Important About the Indian Parliament Security Breach
By Rajeswari Pillai Rajagopalan
Despite a history of terrorist attacks and other security concerns, the culture of security appears to be still wanting when it comes to critical infrastructure.