Subscribe

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.

Does the World Care About Crimes Against Humanity in Asia?
March 31, 2023

Does the World Care About Crimes Against Humanity in Asia?

By Philip Smucker
The ICC's decision to take action against Russia's Putin is in glaring contrast to its slow or non-existent response to myriad war crimes in Asia, from the wars in Vietnam to Afghanistan to Myanmar today.

Tsai Ing-wen Must Share the Blame for the Deterioration of Cross-Strait Relations
March 30, 2023

Tsai Ing-wen Must Share the Blame for the Deterioration of Cross-Strait Relations

By Dennis V. Hickey
Back in 2011, the Obama administration caught flak for leaking its fears about then-candidate Tsai’s cross-strait policy. In retrospect, it was right to be concerned.
Why Fears About Fukushima Water Release Are Overblown
March 30, 2023

Why Fears About Fukushima Water Release Are Overblown

By OKAMOTO Koji
The release of ALPS-treated water will have no physical effects on people or the environment.

Would India Have to Arrest Putin?
March 29, 2023

Would India Have to Arrest Putin?

By Aakash Chandran
Assessing the consequences of the ICC’s arrest warrant against the Russian president, should he attend the G-20 summit in India later this year.

The 10th Anniversary of the Hong Kong Dockers’ Strike 
March 28, 2023

The 10th Anniversary of the Hong Kong Dockers’ Strike 

By Christopher Mung
What does the strike mean to Hong Kong today, when many labor unions have been forced to disband?

Ogata Sadako’s Spirit is Desperately Needed to Help Syria’s Earthquake Survivors
March 28, 2023

Ogata Sadako’s Spirit is Desperately Needed to Help Syria’s Earthquake Survivors

By Muhammad Bakr Ghbeis
Japan is in a unique position to help in the aftermath of the one of this century's worst natural disasters.

Ahead of UN Vote, Vanuatu Says: We Must Fight for Climate Justice
March 24, 2023

Ahead of UN Vote, Vanuatu Says: We Must Fight for Climate Justice

By Jotham Napat and Patricia Scotland
If we value human rights and the rule of law, then we must fight for climate justice, argue Vanuatu's foreign minister and the Commonwealth's secretary-general.
The War in Ukraine Could Formally End in Mongolia
March 23, 2023

The War in Ukraine Could Formally End in Mongolia

By Tuvshinzaya Gantulga
Mongolia is in a unique position to facilitate talks between Ukraine and Russia.

As Survivors of China’s Genocide, We Must Bear Witness 
March 22, 2023

As Survivors of China’s Genocide, We Must Bear Witness 

By Gulbahar Haitiwaji and Qelbinur Sidik
“We were in the camps, and now we are in the United States to tell you about China's crimes.”

Why China’s Xi Jinping Is Visiting Russia
March 21, 2023

Why China’s Xi Jinping Is Visiting Russia

By Wang Wen
“If the United States and the West hope to resolve the Ukrainian crisis they should support China’s proposals for peace.”

India Can Bridge the US-Russia Divide Over Ukraine, If It Chooses
March 21, 2023

India Can Bridge the US-Russia Divide Over Ukraine, If It Chooses

By Derek Grossman
No country is as well-positioned as India to mediate between Moscow and Washington, and bring the Ukraine conflict to an end.
Hun Sen’s Cambodian Succession Plan Slides Into Chaos
March 20, 2023

Hun Sen’s Cambodian Succession Plan Slides Into Chaos

By Sam Rainsy
As the Cambodian leader contemplates retirement, there is growing opposition to his plan to create a family dynasty.

Page 1 of 280