Blog
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.
Disinformation Poses a Grave Threat to Democracy in the Philippines
By Mu Sochua
The return of the Philippine's once-disgraced Marcos clan has been aided by a flood of coordinated online manipulation.
For Tibetans, Putin’s Invasion of Ukraine Sparks Bitter Memories
By Yeshi Dorje
Mao’s unprovoked invasion of Tibet in 1949-50 also relied on a heavily distorted historical narrative designed to confuse Chinese citizens and the world.
‘Empathy Diplomacy’: A New Key to Unlocking East Asia’s Geopolitical Quagmire?
By Jin Kai
The long-term solution to tensions in East Asia is for the neighboring countries to start taking each other’s security concerns more seriously.
Time for the International Community to Abandon the ASEAN Consensus on Myanmar
By Salai Za Uk Ling
ASEAN’s approach to Myanmar hasn't made any progress. The world must stop pretending it will.
How Does Inviting Autocrats to the White House Make Asia More Free?
By John Sifton
The upcoming U.S.-ASEAN special summit stands in jarring juxtaposition to last year’s “Summit for Democracy” -- to which most ASEAN states didn’t merit an invitation.
Japan Needs to Prepare for a Possible Senkaku Islands Crisis
By TSURUTA Jun
Tokyo is currently limited in its ability to respond. That needs to change.
Sri Lanka’s Protests Transcend Ethnic, Religious Divisions
By Tasnim Nazeer
The united voices of the people must be heard: “Gota Must Go.”
The Urgent Need to Advance Australia’s Anti-Money Laundering Laws
By Andrew Jackson and Philip Citowicki
Australia is 8 years late in fulfilling a promise to expand its anti-money laundering laws.
How the US Can Make up Lost Ground in Solomon Islands
By Eileen Natuzzi
The United States must do more than “be visible” in Solomon Islands; it must actually make a difference in people’s lives.
Agent Orange in Vietnam: Legality and US Insensitivity
By Phan Xuan Dung
The U.S. government's claims that it has never deployed chemical weapons has rankled Vietnamese netizens.
Tackling the Pandemic of Inequality in Asia and the Pacific
By Armida Salsiah Alisjahbana
The COVID-19 pandemic worsened the circumstances of those already being left behind. At the same time, COVID-19 has created a generational opportunity to build a more equitable and sustainable world.
Carrie Lam’s Departure Signals a Further Crackdown in Hong Kong
By Joey Siu
Lam’s replacement was a key demand of the 2019 protests, but no one should be celebrating her announced retirement now.