Security & Defense
The PLA, the US Indo-Pacific Command, the Quad, AUKUS and the emerging security architecture of the region.
Russia Arms Iran with Drones, Deepening Anti-US Axis from Moscow to Tehran
Russia is nearing completion of drone deliveries to Iran, a reversal of earlier flows from Tehran to Moscow. The shipments, part of a broade
US Ground Troops in Iran: From Limited Strikes to the Specter of Invasion
US airstrikes have not defeated Iran's regime, prompting talk of ground troops. Limited operations like seizing Kharg Island or Strait of Ho
US Ground Invasion of Iran Looms as Trump Weighs 'Final Blow' Options
The Trump administration is reportedly weighing options for a massive escalation in Iran, including invading Kharg Island and seizing enrich
Sophisticated Drone Swarms Disrupt B-52 Operations at Barksdale Air Force Base
Drone swarms attacked Barksdale Air Force Base in Louisiana for four hours daily in March, halting B-52 launches for Operation Epic Fury. Th
Afghanistan-Pakistan Border Conflict Threatens China's Belt and Road Corridors
Sustained fighting between Pakistan and Afghanistan risks destabilizing a key corridor for China's Belt and Road Initiative. Beijing's diplo
Cape Route Emerges as New Normal for Global Shipping After Hormuz Closure
Armed attacks on Iran and the subsequent closure of the Strait of Hormuz have forced shipping lines to reroute around Africa. The Cape sea r
End Iran Conflict Before Trump-Xi Summit to Avert a Hedgehog World
Iran may stall negotiations until after the March 31 Trump-Xi summit, betting on Chinese support. Prolonged conflict could embolden hardline
Taiwan Cultivates Space and Drone Tech for Layered Defense Strategy
Taiwan is accelerating its space-defense capabilities through a government-backed program linking international startups with local ICT manu
China's Export Controls on Japan Signal Economic Leverage Risks for Southeast Asia
China has escalated export controls on Japanese defense-linked firms, moving from broad restrictions to targeting specific companies. This e
Trump's Venezuela Win Strengthens Hand Ahead of Xi Summit, But Risks Overreach
The capture of Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro gives Trump a stronger hand ahead of his April summit with Xi Jinping. He now controls billi
South Korea Would Strengthen Quad but Cannot Replace India's Role
South Korea's possible inclusion in the Quad has gained attention, but it cannot replace India. Seoul's focus on North Korea, economic depen