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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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A New Era of Japan-ASEAN Relations

A New Era of Japan-ASEAN Relations

By SUKEGAWA Seiya
‘Trust’ and ‘Mutual Benefit’ are the watchwords.
Setting the Record Straight: The KMT Defense Blueprint for Taiwan

Setting the Record Straight: The KMT Defense Blueprint for Taiwan

By Howard Shen
If elected, Hou Yu-ih plans to publish Taiwan’s first National Security Strategy within the first ten months of the presidency.

How the Global Refugee Forum Can Help End Afghanistan’s Refugee Crisis 

How the Global Refugee Forum Can Help End Afghanistan’s Refugee Crisis 

By M. Ashraf Haidari
Ultimately, restoring sustainable peace in Afghanistan is the only durable solution to the plight of its refugees. But there is much that can be done to work toward that goal and help people now.

Japan-South Korea Cooperation Rests on the Rule of Law

Japan-South Korea Cooperation Rests on the Rule of Law

By Jason Morgan and Kenji Yoshida
South Korea’s erratic court rulings and disharmony in the justice system are jeopardizing its bilateral relations with Japan.

Remember the Uyghur Genocide on the 75th Anniversary of the 1948 Genocide Convention

Remember the Uyghur Genocide on the 75th Anniversary of the 1948 Genocide Convention

By Omer Kanat
The pivot toward engagement with China by stalwart advocates of Uyghur rights like the United States, Australia, and the United Kingdom is concerning. 
Centering Human Rights at the Heart of Diplomatic Efforts for Intra-Afghan Dialogue 

Centering Human Rights at the Heart of Diplomatic Efforts for Intra-Afghan Dialogue 

By Nazifa Haqpal
Afghanistan has became “ground-zero for human rights and a graveyard of international norms.” 

A Year Behind Bars: Release Tajikistani Human Rights Defender Manuchehr Kholiqnazarov

A Year Behind Bars: Release Tajikistani Human Rights Defender Manuchehr Kholiqnazarov

By Alva Omarova
On December 9, 2022, after a closed-door trial, the lawyer and human rights defender was sentenced to 16 years’ imprisonment. 
Forecasting Democratic Futures in Asia and the Pacific

Forecasting Democratic Futures in Asia and the Pacific

By Michael Runey and Emma Kenny
What, if anything, can Asia's democrats do to reverse the reactionary trends of recent years?

Taiwan Strait Tensions: Don’t Blame the Victim

Taiwan Strait Tensions: Don’t Blame the Victim

By Chieh-Ting Yeh
The rush to find a China-U.S. modus vivendi on Taiwan often involves intentionally overlooking the unequal nature of “provocations.” 

Singapore’s Role as a Neutral Interpreter of China to the West

Singapore’s Role as a Neutral Interpreter of China to the West

By Walter Woon
If the growing West-China division is to be bridged, the Western world needs a more nuanced interpretation of China. Singapore can play that role.

Some China Contacts With Henry Kissinger

Some China Contacts With Henry Kissinger

By Jerome A. Cohen
Dr. Jerome Cohen offers his personal experiences interacting with Kissinger on China issues – with all the complexity that involved.
Muslim-Majority Countries’ Complicity in the Uyghur Genocide

Muslim-Majority Countries’ Complicity in the Uyghur Genocide

By Abdulhakim Idris
The Muslim world is quick to denounce Islamophobia in the West, but has been markedly silent of China’s attacks on Islam and Uyghur culture. 

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