Someone asked me a few questions about Japan’s national defense the other day. As expected, I gave my take on each one. Meanwhile, others might be just as curious about the current status of Japan’s preparedness. If so, then this is what you need to know: 1. What is motivating Japan and […]
Japan’s National Defense: What You Need to Know Continue Reading >>
On September 28th, 2022, Malaysia and China signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) on digital communications cooperation with regard to 5G, paving the road for future joint initiatives between the two states on sharing best practices, experience and expertise. While Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Minister Saifuddin Abdulla noted that Huawei would “manage the
Huawei hasn’t Won the 5G Race: A Case Study of 5G Competition in Malaysia Continue Reading >>
The United States must accelerate hypersonic development and deployment. To do so it should turn to its allies, particularly Australia, and leverage the connections under the AUKUS Pact to intensify testing, expand production capacity and ensure American-allied interoperability. Indeed, the U.S. has a unique chance, through its alliance relationships, to
Hypersonic Capabilities and Allies Continue Reading >>
Taiwan’s ruling party has a new leader, and the change bodes ill for peace in the Indo-Pacific. Vice President Lai Ching-te, a staunch proponent of the island’s independence, took over chairmanship of the Democratic Progressive Party last week from President Tsai Ing-wen. She stepped down as party leader after the
Will the U.S. Really Defend Taiwan? Continue Reading >>
A former US Marine fighter pilot is awaiting extradition from Australia to the United States. He’s charged with helping the Chinese PLA learn naval flight operations from 2009-2012. It’s against the law to export such defense know-how without a license. If the charges are true, he really shouldn’t have done this –
Building Up the Chinese PLA: A Team Effort Continue Reading >>
Yonaguni is a small island, part of the Ryukyus island chain, that is close to Taiwan. In our book Stopping a Taiwan Invasion we suggested putting HIMARS on Yonaguni. It seems the Biden administration, despite support from the Marines, is opposing HIMARS for Yonaguni. That has left the Marines out of the picture
Yonaguni and HIMARS Continue Reading >>
Eight decades on from the attack that brought the US into the Pacific War, the United States faces a similar conflict in similar geography. The Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor in December 1941 demonstrated how a major power, despite its intelligence and a robust defense planning apparatus, can misunderstand its
Pearl Harbor Redux: US Risks Repeating Strategic Errors Continue Reading >>
European Council president Charles Michel’s impending visit to China is indicative of a worrying trend in Europe’s approach to Eurasian competition. French president Emmanuel Macron, despite stabilizing his position in recent months, repeatedly broke ranks with the United States and the United Kingdom and advised some sort of conciliation with
Can America Balance European Autonomy with China Competition? Continue Reading >>
This has been a busy year for North Korea’s missile developers—having launched 25 missiles (both ballistic and cruise missiles). The “shots” typically land in the ocean east of the Korean Peninsula but short of Japanese maritime territory. However, on Oct. 4, North Korea launched a ballistic missile that passed over northern Japan—prompting the
North Korean Missiles—Keeping the US and Its Allies Distracted and Worried Continue Reading >>
A lot happens at the Shangri-La Dialogue, the annual gathering in Singapore of defense officials, experts, and hangers-on. One of the highlights of the 2022 event — even more than China’s defense minister reciting his list of complaints to United States Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin — was Japanese Prime Minister
Kishida’s Shangri-La Speech: What He Means, Why It Matters Continue Reading >>
