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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.
A Silver Lining in Japan’s Supreme Court Transgender Ruling
By Kanae Doi and Kyle Knight
An outdated, abusive law is upheld, yet undeniable doubts were raised.
How Far Does the China Belt and Road ‘Pushback’ Really Go?
By Prashanth Parameswaran
While the BRI has no doubt suffered serious setbacks, one should be wary about overestimating or misreading them.
Peace Should Be Trump’s Priority at the 2nd Summit with Kim
By John Dale Grover
With deterrence already assured, the goal should be peace, not immediate denuclearization.
Myanmar Open for Business, But Not Rohingya
By Jieun Pyun
As Myanmar seeks foreign investment, the international business community has an opportunity to affect change.
China Won’t Join the INF Treaty—But Can It Forever Dodge Arms Control?
By Ankit Panda
China won’t join a multilateralized INF-style treaty, but can it resist arms control?
As Global Democracy Retreats, Ethnic Cleansing Is on the Rise
By Michael J. Abramowitz and Arch Puddington
The international norm against ethnic cleansing is not just being swept aside. It is at risk of being replaced.
Don’t Expect a US-China Trade Breakthrough By March 1
By Ankit Panda
Xi knows he can wait until he gets a chance to meet with Trump face-to-face again.
Time for US-North Korea Family Reunions
By Jina Kang
At their next meeting, Trump and Kim should discuss reuniting Korean Americans with their families in North Korea.
The World Must Save the Uyghurs
By Benedict Rogers
Long-standing repression of the Uyghur culture has reached stunning new lows. What happened to “Never again”?
Invite President Tsai Before Congress? Not a Wise Move.
By Dennis V. Hickey
The risks for Taiwan and the U.S. far outweigh the benefits.
Stay the Course to Win the Peace in Afghanistan
By M. Ashraf Haidari
The U.S. must be careful not to repeat the mistake of an overly-hasty withdrawal of support for Afghanistan.
Why Speaker Pelosi Should Invite President Tsai Ing-wen Before Congress
By Gerrit van der Wees
And why that invitation should signal a US policy change toward normalization.