What role do defense exports play in China’s diplomacy and foreign policy?

As the Trump administration seeks to boost arms sales in Asia, the Shangri-La Dialogue is morphing into a marketing arm of Western arms exporters in Asia.

Despite China’s economic slowdown, the Chinese government has plans under its "Made in China 2025" program to spend $300 billion by 2025 to become self-sufficient in critical technologies and strategic emerging industries. U.S. unease at the size and opaqueness of China’s large military buildup are well-known. The latest developments will likely lead the Trump administration to continue efforts to reduce Russian defense technology transfers to China, sustain the EU arms embargo on China, and make U.S. weapons and other U.S. exports more competitive in global markets.

The Obama administration is expected as soon as this week to authorize the sale of two guided missile frigates to Taiwan, U.S. congressional sources said on Monday, in spite of China's opposition to the deal.

During the past dozen years, China’s economic and strategic interests in Afghanistan have grown considerably. Following U.S. military involvement in Afghanistan, Richard Weitz discusses the potential for cooperation between Beijing and Washington in the region.

Wu Zurong responds to Professor James Holmes’ article on Taiwan, arguing that a win-win outcome for the Taiwan Strait should replace Holmes’ strategy for “winning without fighting.”

So long as the overall strength of the mainland continues to grow and cross-strait relations continue to improve, the day will come when the U.S. and Taiwan have to decide whether arms deals are still needed, writes Zhou Bo.

How can Taipei bring about stable, enduring deterrence across the Taiwan Strait? Jim Holmes discusses this question and other defense issues pestering cross-straight relations.

Washington has made it a point to handle arms sales to Taiwan as delicately as possible. However, following a recent visit by Senator James Inhofe and other developments, the Obama administration is finding it more challenging to walk the diplomatic tightrope.

There is inevitable concern that the Chinese Silk Road plan will not be compatible with the US one, and there will be increasing competition between China and the US in Central Asia, writes Su Xiaohui.