Current Events in Asia-Pacific

North Korea's Nuclear Futures: Technology and Strategy (pdf, 38 North)

Admiral Says China Outnumbers US in Attack Submarines (DOD Buzz)

U.S. to Aid India in Building Aircraft Carriers (DOD Buzz)

Lots of chatter lately about whether the Rafale "deal" is going to be tossed in favour of more Su-30MKI Indian defence minister hints at MMRCA cancellation (Jane's)

It was only a matter of time. Zhuhai Surprise: Chinas Third Russian Supersonic ASCM (Aviation Week, Ares blog)

North Korea: Test Stand for Vertical Launch of Sea-Based Ballistic Missiles Spotted (38 North) Is North Korea Developing Sea-Based Ballistic Missiles? (The Diplomat)

China's Navy Is Already Challenging the US in Asia (The Diplomat)

Very interesting images of J-31, including 4xAAM on the open weapons bay: http://airforceworld.com/pla/j21-fighter-shenyang-j31-chinese-stealth-jet.htm

Japans Largest Warship Since World War II Takes To Sea (USNI News)

Looks Like Chinas Sending a Stealth Fighter to Sea (War is Boring blog)

The very impressive missile strike (starting around 1:10) appears to have been an SS-N-12 from the cruiser Varyag (the first hit) and possibly an SS-N-22 from the destroyer Bystryy (approaching almost directly astern). Thoughts?

Making Sense of the Japanese Submarine Option (The Diplomat)

Chinese Carrier's Purported Air Wing Deemed Plausible but Limited Details from the article:

China expands runway, harbour at Woody Island (Jane's)

Johnston says AWD programme in 'deep, deep trouble' (Jane's)

What History Says about China's Chances in a War with America (The National Interest)

China goes all out with major island building project in Spratlys (Jane's)

China Displays Worlds Largest Conventional Submarine (The Diplomat, Flashpoints)

Who Sold North Korea a New Anti-Ship Missile? (The Diplomat, Flashpoints)

Australia could buy F-35B (Jane's)