Current Events in Asia-Pacific

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)

New North Korean Helicopter Frigates Spotted (38 North)

New Chinese Outpost Riles The Philippines (USNI News)

Indias New Carrier is Operational (USNI News)

China Naval Modernization: Implications for US Navy CapabilitiesBackground and Issues for Congress (CRS, pdf)

US House approves frigate sale to Taiwan (The Diplomat, China Power)

Looks Like Chinas Building a Giant New Warship (War is Boring blog) First Iran and their wooden aircraft carrier. Now China and its 'son of Kirov'? Colour me skeptical.

North Korea: China is a Turncoat and our Enemy (The Diplomat)

North Korea Tests Longest Range Missiles Since 2012 (The Diplomat, Flashpoints)

How Taiwan Would Defend Against a Chinese Attack (USNI News)

China Commissions New Guided-Missile Destroyer (The Diplomat, Flashpoints) PLAN commissions first Type 052D DDG, puts second on sea trials (Jane's)