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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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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?
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.
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.
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.
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.”
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.”
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.
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.
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