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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.
Days of Reckoning on the Future of ‘Natural’ Gas in Asia
By Axel Dalman
The gas industry in Australia and across Asia needs to face the music being played by major economies and governments worldwide.
China-Israel Relations: Caught in a Downward Spiral
By Hongda Fan
Official relations and public perceptions have both taken huge damage since the October 7 attack by Hamas and Israel’s massive military deployment in Gaza.
Shifting the Narrative on Climate Transition For Southeast Asian Businesses
By Petra Christi and Dinda Maharani
Transition plans should reflect the fact that the region’s economies have distinct structures and vulnerabilities compared to their Western counterparts.
International Scholars Sound the Alarm Over Legislative Reforms Proposed in Taiwan
An open letter from 30 scholars expresses “strong concern and disappointment about the set of parliamentary reforms.”
ASEAN’s Environment of Denial: New Declaration, Same Old Story
By Prarthana Rao and Ian Salvaña
The bloc's Declaration on Environmental Rights is vaguely-worded and lets member states off the hook on conservation efforts.
As Taiwan’s New President Takes Office, Can China Seize Taiwan Without Firing a Single Shot?
By Chiang Min-yen
A controversial bill in the Legislative Yuan sparks fears of a hostile takeover from within, inspiring mass protests.
From Tsai to Lai: The Past, Present, and Future of Taiwan’s Foreign Policy
By Peng-Hsuan Chen
Given that Lai seems poised to carry on outgoing President Tsai Ing-wen's diplomatic approach, a look at her foreign policy evolution is useful.
Road to Busan for a Plastic-free Future
By Jed Alegado
Asia-Pacific countries could prove critical to ensuring the treaty addresses not only waste management, but the root issue of plastic production.
Myanmar’s National Unity Government Must Be Doing Something Right
By Than N. Oo
While the country's shadow opposition has attracted criticism, it has made significant gains on both the political and diplomatic fronts.
Indonesia’s Game-Changing Bid for OECD Membership
By Yopi Irianto Panut, Rio Kevin, and Aureishia Huang
Here are the three key areas that will be central to the country's bid to join the exclusive global economic club.
Russia’s Cover up of Its Dangerous Dealings With North Korea Leaves Us All Less Secure
By Jung H. Pak
Moscow killed a U.N. body overseeing North Korea sanctions compliance for one simple reason: Russia is flagrantly violating the U.N. sanctions.
What It Will Take for India to Address Climate Change?
By Divya Sharma and Avantika Shrivastava
Climate pledges and the energy transition can only truly be achieved when these are linked with development promises. At present, however, there seems to be a gap.