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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.
Left on Read: America’s Taiwan Warning Crisis
By Noah Reed and Jonathan Walberg
Overwarning and miscommunication risk Washington’s ability to detect – and convince Taiwanese about – real threats in the Taiwan Strait.
Perfect Storm: The Rising Risk of China-US Conflict Over Taiwan
By William Matthews
A PLA command structure in disarray and a hawkish Trump Cabinet could lead to disastrous miscalculation over Taiwan.
How China Could Emerge as an Unexpected Beneficiary From Assad’s Downfall in Syria
By Ali Bilgic
Facing the loss of its sole Arab ally and much of its sphere of influence, Tehran might seek to capitalize on the opening initiated by China to mend ties with the Arab states.
How North Korea Views Yoon’s Declaration of Martial Law
By Mitch Shin
Amid the political chaos in South Korea, Pyongyang is maintaining a strategic silence.
Salt Typhoon: China’s Attack on US Telecommunications Networks
By Richard Forno
It’s been called the “worst telecom hack” in U.S. history – and the United States wasn’t Salt Typhoon’s only target.
Does Russia Really Believe the US is Seeking a ‘Reverse Nixon’?
By Kristina Lozinskaya
In 1972, Nixon partnered with the PRC against the Soviet Union. In 2024, is Washington really seeking to partner with Russia against China?
China’s Mineral Export Ban Strikes at the US Defense Industrial Base
By Gregory Wischer, Morgan Bazilian, and Jahara “Franky” Matisek
The U.S. defense industry could experience short-term mineral shortages and higher prices – not to mention the impact on the U.S. economy more broadly.
The EU Is Following the US North Korea Playbook – But Should It Be?
By Rita Durão
EU policy often amounts to a softer echo of the United States’ failing pressure approach. It’s time for a change.
In Handling the North Korea-Russia Alliance, Trump Should Follow Nixon
By Jongsoo Lee
It is high time to improve North Korea-U.S. relations, and the U.S. president-elect is uniquely positioned to do so.
Chinese Vessel Suspected of Damaging European Submarine Cables
By Shannon Tiezzi
European officials have suggested that the severing of two separate cables in the Baltic was “sabotage.” The Yi Peng 3 is the prime suspect.
Can Trump’s Tariffs Slow Down China’s Push to Lead High-tech Supply Chains?
By Yingfan Chen and Dingding Chen
With the incoming president's renewed threats of massive tariffs on China, it’s worth revisiting whether such policies actually achieve the desired result.
‘America First’ and Threading the Needle on Tech Sovereignty
By Corey Lee Bell and Elena Collinson
A disproportionately hardline policy from the incoming Trump administration could ultimately see a more isolated U.S. lose the tech war, and a great deal more.
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