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.
June 09, 2023
The Security Implications of Quantum Computing and India’s National Quantum Mission
By Ankit Tiwari
In a global security environment that is more dynamic than ever, quantum technology will emerge as a major frontier in cybersecurity.
June 08, 2023
India Not Planning to Invite Ukraine to G20 Summit in September
By Ashok Sharma
Ukraine is not a G-20 member, but President Volodymyr Zelenskyy was invited to participate in last year's G-20 summit in Bali, Indonesia.
June 07, 2023
Former ByteDance Executive Says Chinese Communist Party Tracked Hong Kong Protesters via Data
By Zen Soo
Yintao Yu, formerly head of engineering for ByteDance in the U.S., said in a court filing that the company had a “superuser” credential for a committee of CCP members.
June 06, 2023
US, Japanese, Philippine Coast Guard Ships Stage Law Enforcement Drills Near South China Sea
By Aaron Favila and Joeal Calupitan
Philippine officials say such joint exercises with U.S. forces do not target any country. But Beijing says increased U.S. security deployments in Asia target China and undermine regional stability.
June 02, 2023
Top US, Chinese Defense Officials Vie for Influence in Asia-Pacific
By David Rising
This year's Shangri-La Dialogue comes amid a wide range of issues, including the war in Ukraine, the ongoing conflict in Myanmar, and growing tensions between China and the U.S.
June 02, 2023
The High Seas Treaty: A Tall Order for Implementation?
By Troy Han
Unless countries remain committed to enforce adequate oversight and protection of the oceans that they depend on, it would be inconceivable for their blue economies to stay afloat.
June 01, 2023
Anticipating Dual-Use Risks in an Atomic Southeast Asia
By Brandt K. Mabuni
Once again, nuclear energy is knocking. Is ASEAN ready to prevent the misuse of nuclear material?
May 31, 2023
A Compulsive Embrace Beneath the Afghanistan-Iran Water Conflict
By Shanthie Mariet D’Souza
Kabul and Tehran have conflicting claims over the Helmand river’s water, but other mutual interests bind the two sides together despite this point of contention.
May 31, 2023
Possible Putin Trip in Spotlight as Russia, China Foreign Ministers Set for Meeting in South Africa
By Mogomotsi Magome and Gerald Imray
The main summit of BRICS leaders, set for August, could be one of the most important in the bloc's short history as it contemplates expansion.
May 30, 2023
Captured Commander Calls for Peace, But Balochistan Insurgency Rages on
By Patrick Yeager
Gulzar Imam's arrest has only had a negligible effect on the fighting in Pakistan's poorest province.
May 26, 2023
Taiwan Says War With China Can and Should Be Avoided
By Kevin Cheng
Taiwanese officials largely downplay the risk of an imminent invasion from Beijing, but they are also making preparations for the worst-case scenario.
May 25, 2023
Suicide Car Bomber Hits Checkpoint in Northwest Pakistan, Second Attack in 2 Days
By Siraj Dawar
Ten people were killed in two separate attacks in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, a traditional stronghold of the Pakistani Taliban.