Blog
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.
December 03, 2021
Afghanistan’s Taliban, Myanmar’s Tatmadaw Denied UN Seats, For Now
By Catherine Putz
The Taliban and the junta in Myanmar will remain outside the halls of the United Nations for now.
December 02, 2021
Is China Stacking the Technology Deck by Setting International Standards?
By Danny Russel and Blake Berger
Though often overshadowed by China’s advances in technology, the state-directed strategy to set technological standards will have a lasting impact.
December 01, 2021
Even Duterte Can’t Get Around the Thorn in China-Philippine Relations
By Bonnie Girard
The South China Sea continues to be a perennial flashpoint, despite Duterte's best efforts to keep relations on an even keel.
November 26, 2021
Nuclear Proliferation Concerns in East Asia: Beyond North Korea
By Hart Rapaport
The nuclear situation in East Asia is more nuanced than the actions of a single nation.
November 23, 2021
Changing the Discourse on China’s Taiwan Policy
By KAWASHIMA Shin
There has been much talk of an invasion. Time for a closer look.
November 20, 2021
Why Africa Should Be Concerned With Increasing Tensions in the East and South China Sea
By Tola Amusan
For African countries, tension and instability in East Asia might seem far away, but its potential to adversely affect African development ambitions is real.
November 19, 2021
Russian ASAT Test Highlights Urgent Need for Space Governance Negotiations
By Rajeswari Pillai Rajagopalan
The absence of earnest multilateral discussions could send more states down the path of space weaponization, making access to space increasingly tricky.
November 18, 2021
China Coast Guard Uses Water Cannon Against Philippine Boats
By Jim Gomez
Two Philippine ships headed for Second Thomas Shoal with food supplies for the Filipino forces there were blasted with water by Chinese coast guard vessels.
November 18, 2021
China and Russia Cooperate on Rival to GPS
By Emily Young Carr
Integration between China and Russia’s satellite networks will have major implications for the United States.
November 16, 2021
Can a Military Be Both Accountable and Environmental?
By Jacob Parakilas
Militaries can be made greener or they can have more human control. They probably can’t be both.
November 12, 2021
Did China Create New Facts on the Ground Along the LAC With India?
By Rajeswari Pillai Rajagopalan
Sometime in 2020, China began building a village in territory disputed with India.
November 11, 2021
China Snubs India, Backs Pakistan in Dueling Afghanistan Meetings
By Shannon Tiezzi
China bowed out of security talks on Afghan in New Delhi, but will join a similar meeting in Pakistan held the next day.
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