Topic: Chinese Armed Forces

Focus Why combat role for US women could reverberate worldwide

In many countries, women have historically served in combat when demographics demanded it. But the US move is based on equal opportunity for women – and could become a model for others.

Focus China and Japan face off: Tiny islands, big dispute (+video)

The China and Japan face off over five islands has sunk relations to a 40-year low - the worst since diplomatic relations began. But the sabre rattling is just for show, say analysts.

Moscow sends warships to Syria: war games or evacuation?

Almost half the ships in a Russian flotilla headed to Syria are well suited for transporting large numbers of people. As many as 100,000 Russians may live in Syria.

China to send its first female astronaut into orbit (+video)

The crew of China's Shenzhou 9 space docking mission to its prototype space station includes Liu Yang, the country's first woman to fly in space.

Why China is likely to get more involved in Afghanistan

For the past decade, China has not played a significant role in Afghanistan. But with NATO starting to pull out, Afghanistan's security will affect neighboring China.

Oil prices: What happens if Iran shuts down the Strait of Hormuz?

About 35 percent of the world’s seaborne traded oil moved through the Strait of Hormuz in 2011. Energy analysts don’t doubt that Iran could disrupt the flow of oil in the strait if it wants to.

Taiwan makes environmental push in disputed South China Sea

Eager not to be forgotten as a claimant in the South China Sea, as it was in July when China and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations agreed to confidence-building guidelines, Taiwan plans to set up an ocean research center and share its findings with others.

The Monitor's View: US and China summit: The clash of currencies

China's currency is making inroads in markets dominated by the US dollar --- even as Beijing manipulates the yuan's value. The US can't buy into Beijing's zero-sum view of the currency markets.

The Monitor's View: Is Obama ready for a stare-down with China?

China's provocation of Japan over the Senkaku Islands shows a need for Obama to be ready for a crisis in Asia. He must buck up Japan and send a clear signal to Bejing.

China and the US battle to assert presence in South China Sea

US warships are staging their third set of exercises in less than a month off the coast of China, in a show of force that has prompted fears of prolonged maritime tensions in the region.

Opinion: How the US and China can avoid conflict

If China and America are to maintain cooperation, both need to manage China’s rise effectively. The oil arena is an important place to start.

US oil industry hit by cyberattacks: Was China involved?

MONITOR EXCLUSIVE: Breaches show how sophisticated industrial espionage is becoming. The big question: Who’s behind them?

The Monitor's View: On his trip, will Obama reset the Asian order?

Bids by Japan and China for regional influence are reminders of the reason for US preeminence.

Briefing: Indian Ocean as new strategic playing field

Emerging economic superpowers China and India may compete here. What should be the US role?

Opinion: Outlook on China: peaceful partner or warmonger?

Economic difficulty could impel Beijing to sow regional conflict. American policies shouldn't add fuel to the fire.

Reporters on the Job

China projects naval power in pirate fight

Its warships and special forces are due in the Gulf of Aden by Jan. 6.