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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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President Biden Should Not Overlook Vietnam’s Rights Crisis

President Biden Should Not Overlook Vietnam’s Rights Crisis

By Carolyn Nash
Progress on shared objectives like climate mitigation will be impossible without measures to address the human rights failures of both Vietnam and the U.S.
Betrayal of China’s Muslims Undermines the Organization of Islamic Cooperation’s Credibility

Betrayal of China’s Muslims Undermines the Organization of Islamic Cooperation’s Credibility

By Aaron Rhodes and Marco Respinti
The OIC continues to actively praise China’s policies in Xinjiang and “care” for Muslim citizens, despite overwhelming evidence of massive abuses.

Worsening Press Freedom Undermines G20 Host India’s Credibility

Worsening Press Freedom Undermines G20 Host India’s Credibility

By Beh Lih Yi
India must ensure media freedom if it wants to live up to its reputation as the world’s largest democracy alongside being a global economic powerhouse.

Vietnam’s Time to Choose

Vietnam’s Time to Choose

By Duy Hoang
Hanoi's impending upgrade in relations with Washington is the right move. It needs to follow up by ensuring basic freedoms for its people.

New Uzbekistan’s Reform Agenda: A Catalyst for Stronger US Bilateral Relations

New Uzbekistan’s Reform Agenda: A Catalyst for Stronger US Bilateral Relations

By Ambassador Furqat Sidikov
Uzbekistan is a bedrock U.S. partner in a dynamic region.
G20 Summit: India’s Authorit­arianism Strangles Solutions to Global Challenges 

G20 Summit: India’s Authorit­arianism Strangles Solutions to Global Challenges 

By Avinash Kumar and Alena Kahle
Rather than setting an agenda that would put forward the voices of the Global South and the world’s most marginalized, India has used its G-20 presidency for cynically domestic political purposes. 

Coal Companies and the Media Need to Wake up and Smell the Smoke

Coal Companies and the Media Need to Wake up and Smell the Smoke

By Antony Balmain
Record profits for coal companies shouldn’t be reported on without the necessary climate context.
Tesla Pledges a Major Boost to Indonesia’s EV Ambitions

Tesla Pledges a Major Boost to Indonesia’s EV Ambitions

By Mark Field
Despite their concerns about its protectionism, Western governments should support President Joko Widodo's ambitions to make his nation a "key player" in the sector.

Justice More Important Than Ever as Rohingya Mark Bleak Anniversary

Justice More Important Than Ever as Rohingya Mark Bleak Anniversary

By Tun Khin
“It is high time that the world takes action to end the genocide against the Rohingya, starting with supporting the international justice efforts.”

In Afghanistan, the Situation for Children is Grim – and Getting Grimmer

In Afghanistan, the Situation for Children is Grim – and Getting Grimmer

By Ahmad
Two years after the Taliban’s reconquest, rates of poverty and malnutrition have skyrocketed among the country’s young.

Between China and Russia, Mongolia Stays Defiant – For Now

Between China and Russia, Mongolia Stays Defiant – For Now

By Bayarkhuu Dashdorj
Without a sizable commercial and trade backbone, Mongolia-U.S. relations could yield under pressure from Russia and China.
Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief: The Quad’s Path Forward in Southeast Asia

Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief: The Quad’s Path Forward in Southeast Asia

By Lucas Myers and Blake Berger
A focus on HA/DR would be a return to the Quad's roots – and an effective way to merge public goods provision and maritime security in a politically palatable manner

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