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The Debate
The Debate is our home for the best opinions from around Asia. Whether it is negotiating with Iran, responding to North Korean provocations, discussing Japan's looming demographic issues, or considering the new balance of power in the Asia-Pacific, some of the region's leading thinkers offer their take.
May 20, 2023
How a CCP Propaganda Campaign Targeted the Dalai Lama
By Magnus Fiskesjö
The latest smear campaign succeeded beyond China’s wildest dreams by playing into Western ignorance about Tibetan culture – and self-righteous “cancel culture” on social media.
May 19, 2023
The Political Hazards of Economic Decoupling From China
By Max Abbott
Southeast Asian nations are promising candidates for firms seeking to relocate manufacturing operations from China, but investors need to be prepared for the risks.
May 18, 2023
ASEAN Leaders Tackle Human Trafficking at Latest Summit
By Kuldeep Singh Chauhan
In recent years, the abuse of technology has increasingly facilitated this heinous crime, making it imperative for ASEAN nations to join forces and develop effective measures to combat it.
May 17, 2023
Global Plastics Treaty Will Test Japan’s Clean Image
By Hirotaka Koike
As one of the negotiators representing the Asia-Pacific, Japan's reluctance to embrace agreed global rules capping plastics use is concerning.
May 17, 2023
Supporting Timor-Leste’s ASEAN Membership Should Be a Priority for Its Friends
By Melissa Conley Tyler and Parker Novak
Other countries can support Timor-Leste in the bureaucratic development needed to attend and contribute meaningfully to ASEAN’s numerous annual meetings.
May 12, 2023
Race to Zero in Asia and the Pacific: Our Hopes in the Climate Fight
By Armida Salsiah Alisjahbana
39 countries have committed to carbon neutrality and net zero between 2050 and 2060. This momentum needs to accelerate like a bullet train.
May 12, 2023
Thai Elections Won’t Restore the Rule of Law
By Sirikan Charoensiri
A 15-year-old sits in detention for insulting the monarchy. With such cases in progress, the election this Sunday alone can’t be expected to put Thailand back on track.
May 10, 2023
Japan Welcomed This Ukrainian Refugee. Here’s What He Had to Say About the Process.
By Emily Schroen
The experience of Oleksii Yashchyrynskyi reflects Tokyo's surprising willingness to open its arms to refugees from the Russia-Ukraine war.
May 09, 2023
Why NATO’s Planned Liaison Office in Japan Is a Bad Idea
By Kelly Grieco
Although Indo-Pacific countries are seemingly receptive to the idea, NATO’s greater involvement in the region may well do more harm than good to security and stability.
May 08, 2023
Manila’s Focus on External Defense Needs Peace in Mindanao
By Georgi Engelbrecht
Despite its increasing focus on external threats, the Philippine government can't afford to take the Bangsamoro peace process for granted.
May 05, 2023
Challenges Advancing Gender Equality in Myanmar’s Karenni State
By Maggi Quadrini and Anonymous
If Myanmar's revolution is to succeed, it must tackle the patriarchal structures that underpin the country's militarized political culture.
May 04, 2023
UK Foreign Minister’s China Speech Lacks Details on Rights
By Maya Wang
It is unclear whether the U.K. government is willing to translate its words about human rights into action and hold Chinese officials responsible for serious human rights violations.