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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.

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Is the Philippines Ready for a Taiwan Conflict?

Is the Philippines Ready for a Taiwan Conflict?

By Nian Peng
The Philippines is becoming increasingly vocal about Taiwan, and Beijing is watching carefully.
Time for a Japan-Korea Élysée Treaty

Time for a Japan-Korea Élysée Treaty

By IWAMA Yoko
The two East Asian nations should take inspiration from landmark treaty in Europe.

Without Human Rights Sanctions, the World Is Normalizing China’s Genocide of Uyghurs

Without Human Rights Sanctions, the World Is Normalizing China’s Genocide of Uyghurs

By Omer Kanat
Every visit by a U.S. official to China, without uttering a word about the Uyghurs, contributes to the alarming prospect of normalizing the Uyghur genocide.

The Taliban’s Gender Persecution in Afghanistan Is a Challenge to the World

The Taliban’s Gender Persecution in Afghanistan Is a Challenge to the World

By Nasir Andisha and Nazifa Haqpal
Afghanistan's women's movement, being pushed into a narrow corner, has the opportunity to consolidate intellectually and practically, and rise to the occasion as a consistent and cohesive actor. 

2 Years of Taliban Rule: A Case for Humanitarian Intervention 

2 Years of Taliban Rule: A Case for Humanitarian Intervention 

By Atal Ahmadzai
The international community can use diplomatic, economic, and military sanctions to pressure a regime and its political and military leadership.
The CCP’s Zero COVID Campaign Left a Lasting Mark on Chinese Politics

The CCP’s Zero COVID Campaign Left a Lasting Mark on Chinese Politics

By Wilson (Yuxi) Wen 
Zero COVID artificially and unnecessarily created the perfect condition for a political thunderstorm that could shake the ruling legitimacy and control mechanism of the party-state.

Uzbekistan: The Tourism Destination Where LGBTQ+ Dare Not Venture

Uzbekistan: The Tourism Destination Where LGBTQ+ Dare Not Venture

By Alva Omarova
No one should be imprisoned for who they love. Yet in Uzbekistan, the authorities engage in ongoing criminal prosecution and cruel treatment of members of the LGBTQ+ community. 
Dual Neutralization as a Pathway to a Denuclearized Korea

Dual Neutralization as a Pathway to a Denuclearized Korea

By Heinz Gärtner and Pascal Lottaz
“Finlandization” for the North and “Austriazation” for the South provide a path toward unification – and denuclearization.

Myanmar Junta’s Surprise Pardons Show International Pressure Is Working

Myanmar Junta’s Surprise Pardons Show International Pressure Is Working

By Benedict Rogers
That the generals felt the need to offer pardons – albeit largely empty ones – of top NLD leaders suggests that the junta is feeling the heat from international isolation.

The High Stakes of Indonesia’s $20 Billion Just Energy Transition Partnership

The High Stakes of Indonesia’s $20 Billion Just Energy Transition Partnership

By Scot Marciel
Last November, the U.S. and its partners promised to supercharge the country's green energy transition, but their efforts are already facing obstacles.

India’s Foreign Policy Progress in Sri Lanka is a Strategic Setback for China

India’s Foreign Policy Progress in Sri Lanka is a Strategic Setback for China

By Mark S. Cogan
Since an economic crisis hit the country last year, New Delhi has reminded Colombo who its real friends are.
Bilahari Kausikan on Why Singapore Is Still Not an Island

Bilahari Kausikan on Why Singapore Is Still Not an Island

By Nigel Li
In a new book, the outspoken former diplomat offers his prescriptions for a world, and a region, in flux.

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