By Huang Wei
Covers the PLA, the South China Sea, regional defense spending and the emerging security architecture of the Indo-Pacific.
Quad's Structural Resilience: Why Trump's Second Term Won't Kill the Alliance
The Quad faces challenges under Trump's second term, with US-India ties strained and no leaders' summit in sight. Yet China's military build
Shangri-La Dialogue 2026: Asia's Security Realignment Beyond the US Shield
The 2026 Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore reflects a region moving beyond reliance on the US security shield. Nations are diversifying defen
Gulf States Rethink US Security Guarantee as Iran Conflict Strains Economies
Gulf states face rising costs from US-led military actions against Iran, including damage to LNG infrastructure and aviation hubs. Saudi Ara
Trump's $1.5 Trillion Military Budget Risks Strategic Overreach in Asia
The White House seeks a 66% increase in military spending to $1.5 trillion for FY2027. Critics argue the plan ignores diplomatic tools and r
Iran War's Five Miscalculations: A Reckoning for Washington's Strategy
Twelve weeks into the Iran conflict, the promised surgical strikes have given way to a regional crisis. Five key miscalculations—from overes
Bangladesh's JF-17 Fighter Deal Risks Shifting India's Eastern Security Calculus
Bangladesh's possible purchase of JF-17 Thunder Block III fighters from China and Pakistan threatens to alter the military balance near Indi
China's Type 004 Nuclear Carrier Signals Shift to Blue-Water Power
Satellite imagery shows China's Type 004 carrier hull taking shape at Dalian, likely nuclear-powered and larger than the Fujian. The vessel
Pentagon's Iran Struggles Raise Doubts About War With China
The US campaign against Iran has exposed weaknesses in American strategy, including vulnerability of bases and low munitions stocks. These s
Russia Shadows Ukrainian SAR Satellite as New Offensive Looms
Russia has moved five Cosmos satellites into the same orbit as Ukraine's ICEYE-X36, a high-resolution SAR satellite that has transformed Kyi
Europe Must Plan for Self-Defense as US Reliability Falters
US troop deployment reversals under Trump highlight the unreliability of American security guarantees. European NATO members face a choice:
Strait of Hormuz Blockade Signals End of Post-Cold War Global Order
The Strait of Hormuz blockade marks a fourth major blow to the post-Cold War global trade system. China's market closure, US tariffs, and mi
Azov Drone Patrols Over Mariupol Signal Ukraine's Expanding Kill Zone
Ukraine's Azov brigade has resumed drone patrols over occupied Mariupol, targeting Russian supply lines. The flights undermine Moscow's narr