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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.
Unmasking the ‘Group of Friends in Defense of the United Nations Charter’
By Andréa Worden and Rana Siu Inboden
Despite its name, this group, which includes many of the world's most repressive regimes, is actually a coalition to undermine U.N. principles.
UK to Cede Chagos Islands to Mauritius, But US Base Will Remain
By Shannon Tiezzi
The U.K. will maintain de facto control over Diego Garcia, and the crucial U.S. military facility there, for another 99 years.
Ishiba’s Integrated Deterrence: What Japan’s New Prime Minister Means for Taiwan
By Victor Lin
A former defense minister, Ishiba's victory will have important implications for the future of Japan-Taiwan relations.
Nuclear Stability in the 21st Century
By Rakesh Sood
The third nuclear age has forced strategic thinkers to confront the dilemma of nuclear deterrence anew, this time in a multipolar nuclear world.
Gray Hulls in the Gray Zone: Indonesia’s Conundrum in the South China Sea
By Joseph Kristanto
Due to long-time neglect of its coast guard equivalent, Indonesia has been forced to use its navy to respond to China’s incursions – giving Beijing an excuse to do the same.
Why Did China Test-fire an ICBM Into the South Pacific?
By Denny Roy
Although some officials would have seen the test launch as beneficial, either for technical or political reasons, the incident undermines important Chinese foreign policy goals.
India’s Arctic Challenge: Aligning Strategic Interests With Regional Realities
By Nima Khorrami
Thus far, India’s strategy appears to be a reactionary stance focused more on countering China than on responding to the specific dynamics of the Arctic region.
The Risks of North Korean Provocations in the West Sea
By Jihoon Yu
The West Sea’s strategic and economic significance for both Koreas increases the likelihood of future provocations.
In Historic First, Japan Sends Naval Ship Through the Taiwan Strait
By Takahashi Kosuke
With the unprecedented move this time, Japan now joined the other Western countries engaging in freedom-of-navigation exercises in the Taiwan Strait.
EU China Policy Under von der Leyen 2.0
By Valeria Fappani and Blanca Marabini San Martín
Meet the new commissioners who will shape the EU’s interactions with China for the next five years.
India’s Technology Engagement Strategy: Beyond the Quad
By Trisha Ray
While India's tech engagements may seem transactional and at times contradictory, they are deeply pragmatic, which is what makes it an attractive partner.
The Long Game: Understanding US and China’s Theories of Victory
By Ngo Di Lan
By examining how the U.S. and China perceive the nature of their contest and plot their paths to success, we can better anticipate the trajectory of this competition.
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