Ideas

The Now and Future US-Philippines Military Alliance

As the Philippines prepares to inaugurate a new president, this backgrounder explores the long-lasting defense ties between Manila and Washington.

Threats

Now China's Fake Island Has a Farm

Hospitals, gardens, lighthouses, and Céline Dion cover artists are some of the softer elements joining the jets and runways on the contested Fiery Cross Reef.

Ideas

With UN Decision Looming, China, US Need Real Talks on South China Sea

China is expected to raise tensions this month if a Law of the Seas tribunal rules against their claims in the South China Sea. Time to start talking.

Threats

The US is Raiding its Global Bomb Stockpiles to Fight ISIS

The anti-ISIS coalition has dropped more than 41,500 bombs, leading the Pentagon to borrow from stockpiles in other regions.

Threats

Pentagon Playing the Long Game in the South China Sea, Carter Says

For China, like the old Soviet Union, the U.S. defense secretary bets “internal logic” will dictate a change—eventually.

Business

Japan Shops Futuristic Sub-Hunter Plane

With arms export ban loosened, Tokyo is shopping an indigenous sub-hunting plane for the first time at an American arms show.

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.