Episode Notes:

Japan has opted out of this years' International Fleet Review hosted by South Korea scheduled to take place next week. Japan's claimed reason is that South Korea requested Japan to fly its standard national flag for its ensign instead of flying its 'rising sun' flag, which its maritime defense force has traditionally used. Terrence Roehrig, Professor of National Security Affairs and the Director of the Asia-Pacific Studies Group at the US Naval War College, shares his perspective.