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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.
Asia-Pacific States Must Divorce Their Industry Friends for a Strong Global Plastics Treaty
By Arpita Bhagat
With just two meetings left to finalize the treaty text, the significance of the current Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee meeting cannot be overstated.
Taiwan Is Indispensable in Preparing for Future Pandemics
By Hsueh Jui-yuan
As the WHO debates a new global health governance framework, Taiwan is left out of the discussion – to the detriment of future antipandemic efforts.
Welcome to World War III
By Michael Vatikiotis
The Western-led “rules-based order” is fraying, but nothing seems to be emerging that might replace it.
It Is High Time to Engage North Korea
By Jongsoo Lee
The alternative is to do nothing and drift into an even more serious crisis as North Korea further builds up its nuclear and missile capabilities.
How the New UN Special Envoy to Myanmar Should Approach Her Impossible Mission
By Scot Marciel
Former Australian Foreign Minister Julie Bishop faces an unenviable task in attempting to bring peace to the country.
Reciprocal Access: How to Deal with TikTok and Other Chinese Apps Fairly and Democratically
By Nithin Coca
Liberal democracies should restrict TikTok and other Chinese apps until China allows foreign platforms equal and fair access to the Chinese digital market.
United Front, Clean Future: South Asia’s Path to Sustainable Energy
By Abdul Waheed Bhutto
A move toward unified energy and environmental systems will not only tackle air pollution directly but also stimulate economic growth and promote regional integration.
History’s Shadow on Japanese Prime Minister’s US Visit
By Patrick Regan and Mindy Kotler Smith
This week’s Japan-Philippines-U.S. trilateral summit comes alongside the 82nd anniversary of the Bataan Death March.
Sustained and Strategic Investments Needed for US-Japan Collaboration
By Susan Berresford and Kazuyo Kato
Japan may not be an immediate problem for the U.S., but our relationship will become a problem if we do not invest in it and the professionals required to foster future cooperation.
Myanmar Asylum Seeker Crisis Needs a Humane and Regional Solution
By Perry Q. Wood
A more coordinated response would open more formal channels for asylum seekers to seek refuge in other countries.
Asian States Must Not Waste the Chance to Address Crimes Against Humanity
By Jan Wetzel
The upcoming UNGA meeting on crimes against humanity is a key opportunity to make progress on an international treaty.
Reenergizing the Thailand-US Relationship
By John Goyer
Recent high-level engagements have improved the mood music in the relationship; that momentum needs to be sustained.
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