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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.
May 24, 2023
Instead of Sydney, Quad Gathers in Hiroshima
By Rajeswari Pillai Rajagopalan
With U.S. domestic politics calling President Biden home early, the Quad capitalized on their visits to Hiroshima for the G-7 to meet on May 20.
May 23, 2023
Why Did China and India Support a UN Resolution Acknowledging ‘Russian Aggression Against Ukraine’?
By Syed Basim Raza and Ureeda Khan
China and India have consistently abstained from taking a strong stand on the Ukraine invasion. What explains their latest U.N. vote?
May 22, 2023
A Second Quad in the Making in the Middle East?
By Rajeswari Pillai Rajagopalan
Both the U.S. and India are exploring additional combinations of partnerships in the MIddle East.
May 19, 2023
China’s Gamble in Afghanistan
By Ahmed S. Cheema
China is not the first to try to buy stability in Afghanistan. Will Beijing succeed where the U.S. and USSR failed?
May 17, 2023
South Korea-US Alliance Is at a Critical Juncture for Cybersecurity Cooperation
By Jiwon Ma
Washington and Seoul have a strong foundation upon which to build their cyber partnerships.
May 17, 2023
Time to Champion Japan-India Leadership for Peace in the Indo-Pacific
By Amit Dasgupta and Don McLain Gill
Japan’s G-7 presidency is a significant opportunity for Tokyo to incorporate its expanding partnership with India in the context of the G-7’s broader strategic roadmap for the region.
May 16, 2023
Japan’s Refusal to Identify as a Military Power Has Geopolitical Consequences
By Jio Kamata
Public sentiment could seriously constrain Japan’s actions in a military conflict – for example, if China were to invade Taiwan.
May 15, 2023
The Prospect of US-Taliban Counterterrorism Cooperation: Is the Embrace Worth It?
By Shanthie Mariet D’Souza
Suggested convergence on counterterrorism cooperation between the United States and the Taliban may be a double-edged sword.
May 13, 2023
India, ASEAN Hold First Maritime Exercises
By Rajeswari Pillai Rajagopalan
India has long used its navy to build ties with maritime nations in the Indo-Pacific, but this exercise steps up collaboration by tying up with ASEAN as a group.
May 09, 2023
G7 Digital Ministers Preview Summit’s Focus on Tech Competition With China
By Charles Mok
The G-7 digital and tech ministers’ gathering in Takasaki, Japan, offers hints as to the group’s priorities.
May 04, 2023
India’s Foreign Minister Meets With Counterparts From China, Russia
By Krutika Pathi
New Delhi's relationship with Moscow, its Cold War ally, has remained strong. But Beijing gaining more sway over Moscow could prove frustrating for India.
May 04, 2023
South Korea Can Play a More Active Role in the South China Sea
By Jihoon Yu
As tensions escalate in contested regional waters, Seoul will have to face difficult questions about its maritime role in the Indo-Pacific.