Ideas
Beijing Is Setting the Stage for War in the South China Sea
China is setting itself up to be repeatedly provoked in the disputed waters—it might even be counting on it.
Threats
Top Admiral Asks US Allies to Help Buzz China’s Fake Islands
The four-star admiral of U.S. Pacific Command told Congress he wants other countries to join the U.S. in flying, sailing near China’s new islands (and that new radar).
Threats
US, Indian Navies Planning Joint Patrols in South China Sea
Officials say they're drafting ideas one year after leaders agreed to expand naval cooperation and ensure freedom of navigation in the SCS.
Ideas
What North Korea’s Latest Missile Test Means for the US and Its Allies
The Unha launch is hardly the basis for panic, but it is time for certain measures to ensure security and stability.
Ideas
The Rise of ISIS in Southeast Asia
Much of the region has witnessed a democratic regression that's fueling the spread of violent extremism.
Threats
Indonesia Blames ISIS for Suicide Bombs in Jakarta
A Muslim country heretofore largely unaffected by the Islamic State is hit by a series of bombings.
Business
Japan's Military Is Recruiting More Women for Its Growing Global Role
A looming gender imbalance is compelling Tokyo to create new jobs and facilities for females throughout its defense ministry.
Ideas
Maintaining the Edge in the Age of Everything
Ash Carter's message to the Defense One Summit: a new commitment to military, academic, business and scientific partnerships.
Ideas
The Right Way to Enforce Freedom of Navigation in the South China Sea
Patrols must be clearly seen as reinforcing the norms involved, without bias or prejudice to who is claiming the features.
Ideas
How China's Generals Already Gamed Xi's Meeting With Obama
China’s military hard-liners had a wish-list for today’s summit in Washington. Here’s what they wanted.
Threats
Japan Just Authorized Its Most Assertive Military Stance in Decades
In a major shift for East Asian security, the Japanese defense forces will play a broader role in the region under a controversial new law.
Threats
Remember the Pentagon’s Pacific Pivot? It’s Still On
A new strategy document outlines Chinese activities in the South China Sea and the planned US responses to them.
Ideas
Artillery, Protests, and Giant Balloons Mark Rising Korean Tensions
North and South Korea, locked in one of the world’s most intractable conflicts, exchanged fire on Thursday.
Threats
China’s New Islands Are Clearly Military, U.S. Pacific Chief Says
Adm. Harry Harris, head of U.S. Pacific Command, says the vastly expanded reefs now look exactly like combat bases for fighters, bombers, ships, and surveillance.
Ideas
Tajikistan’s Security Chief Has Gone Over to ISIS. Now What?
Washington must convince the corrupt and repressive Tajik government to change its ways, lest extremists gain a Central Asian foothold.
Policy
What Vietnam Means to Obama
The country whose war shaped the US president’s approach to intervention may become a regional security partner.
Ideas
TPP’s Failure Wouldn’t Doom Washington’s Asia Strategy
A ‘no’ vote in Congress would be a setback, but there are other ways to counter China.
Policy
How China Is Building the Biggest Commercial-Military Empire in History
China’s outsized latticework of global infrastructure is said to be rooted in a fierce competitiveness learned from 19th-century America.
Policy
What the Pentagon Sees in India—And Vice Versa
Not that long ago, Washington and New Delhi were deeply suspicious of one another. Now, they're talking about collaborating on an aircraft carrier and weapons production.
Ideas