Asia and Pacific

China’s announced increase in its defense budget for 2017, only seven percent growth compared to double-digit increases over much of the last two decades, attests to the shifting landscape in Chinese defense strategy and force structure. It also reflects the domestic challenges the country faces.

The Xi Administration has presided over many policy changes while at the same time overseeing a major turnover throughout the Party and government. All the work that has gone into the last five years, and in some respects even longer, can be cemented with a successful 19th Party Congress.

That there is a need to rebuild the US Navy is disputed by few in the mainstream. Initially at least, readiness needs to be prioritised by beginning to clear the many years of deferred maintenance that have undermined the fleet. But in the longer run, building up both numbers and capabilities matter.

United States strategic bombing during the Korean War was a major factor in repeatedly checking communist advances. However, since the armistice, North Korea has assiduously incorporated rhetoric about the use of airpower in its anti-South Korean and anti-US propaganda.

Over the past fifty years, the United States has increasingly focused on missile defense to deter threats against its strategic interests and those of its partners. Unfortunately, the acquisition and planning emphasis on defensive systems has resulted in a loss of attention to offensive capabilities.

For decades, Washington has made Pyongyang’s nuclear weapons program the focus of its attention. But broadening the focus of sanctions to include humanitarian abuses is appropriate given the horrendous conditions in North Korea.

The recent agreement between Japan and South Korea to improve sharing of intelligence information marks an inflection point in bilateral relations. Brought together by Pyongyang’s belligerence, Seoul and Tokyo have found common ground and an impetus for more significant cooperation.

India's campaign against fake currency is likely to have a significant short-term impact of terrorist funding, but only a more comprehensive approach can provide a long term solution.

By gaining separation today, the US will be in a better position to negotiate with the Philippines from a position of strength tomorrow.

Facing a $1 trillion bill to recapitalise its nuclear triad, the US should now seek to assess the purpose for which it is sustaining its nuclear force not just in the context of symbolism, but for the practical value it can provide to the defence of its interests.