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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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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. 

Taiwan’s Election Isn’t About War. It’s About Clarity.

Taiwan’s Election Isn’t About War. It’s About Clarity.

By Vincent Y. Chao
A spokesperson for DPP candidate William Lai pushes back on the KMT’s preferred framing of the presidential race.

Smackdown on O’Smach: Cambodia’s Path Out of Tier 3?

Smackdown on O’Smach: Cambodia’s Path Out of Tier 3?

By Arthur Eremita
There may yet be a chance for the country’s new government to charm itself into a human trafficking upgrade.
Revisiting China: One Year After the White Paper Movement

Revisiting China: One Year After the White Paper Movement

By Jianli Yang
Is China any closer to meaningful political change?

Cambodian PM’s First 100 Days Show Real Transfer of Power Yet to Come

Cambodian PM’s First 100 Days Show Real Transfer of Power Yet to Come

By Sam Rainsy
As expected, the new government led by Prime Minister Hun Manet has been a case of old wine in new bottles.
Want to Reset China-US Relations? Bring Back Fulbright China

Want to Reset China-US Relations? Bring Back Fulbright China

By Colleen O’Connor and Elizabeth M. Lynch
Restoring the Fulbright Program could be a gateway to alleviating tensions and closing the China expertise gap.

G7 President Japan Has a Final Chance for Energy Leadership at COP28

G7 President Japan Has a Final Chance for Energy Leadership at COP28

By Yoko Mulholland, Hanna Hakko, and Kat Petersen
As its G-7 presidency concludes, Japan has an opportunity to advance delivery of the global clean energy transition at COP28.

Indonesia’s Non-aligned Foreign Policy Is Not Neutral  

Indonesia’s Non-aligned Foreign Policy Is Not Neutral  

By Retno L.P. Marsudi
No bloc, no problem, explains Indonesia’s foreign minister.

The World Needs to Capitalize on the Gains of Myanmar’s Operation 1027

The World Needs to Capitalize on the Gains of Myanmar’s Operation 1027

By Than Naing Oo
The military junta is teetering on the brink of collapse. A concerted push could see it fall.
Taliban Leaders Get Medical Treatment Abroad While Afghan Women and Children Lack Basic Care 

Taliban Leaders Get Medical Treatment Abroad While Afghan Women and Children Lack Basic Care 

By Natalie Gonnella-Platts and Jessica Ludwig
Why are sanctioned Taliban leaders allowed to travel abroad for medical treatment while their policies push Afghanistan’s healthcare system to the edge of collapse?

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