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.
How China Can Help Save Papua New Guinea’s Forests
By Gary Juffa
An MP calls for China to stop importing illegal timber from Papua New Guinea.
Can Asia (and the UN) Hold Corporations Accountable?
By Friends of the Earth Asia Pacific
Corporations across Asia are often implicated in human rights abuses. It’s time to hold them to account.
Will the West’s Imperialist Past Be China’s Future?
By Jin Kai
It's unfair to evaluate China's past -- and it's future -- through a lens dominated by European thinking.
China’s Cultural Genocide and the Conscience of Nations
By Ben Lowsen
As China does its worst, the world must uphold the best.
China's Diplomacy Has a Monster in its Closet
By Ben Lowsen
Ultra-nationalism is damaging China’s credibility as its ambassadors indulge in curious, chauvinistic and all-too-official tirades.
Indonesia’s Deadly Disaster Sparks Political Blame Game
By Erin Cook
The earthquake and tsunami that hit Central Sulawesi and the government’s response has raised concerns about some of the decisions being made.
India’s Data Localization Quandary: Three Guiding Principles
By Manpreet Anand and Nikhil Sud
India's government hasn't seriously considered the negative implications of its data localization push.
The Failed Promise of Reconciliation in Sri Lanka
By Mario Arulthas
Sri Lankan governments have proven unwilling to acknowledge, let alone address, the root cause of conflict on the island.
Aiding Africa: If Not China, Then Who?
By Grace Guo
An overemphasis on the challenges posed by Chinese aid to Africa can conceal the difficulty of providing credible alternatives.
US-North Korea: Talking Is Our Only Chance at Peace
By Bonnie Kristian
The United States must commit to diplomacy with North Korea -- even in the face of setbacks.
Abrupt Detention of Meng Hongwei Further Damages China's International Reputation
By Charlotte Gao
Meng, like all other Chinese citizens, deserves procedural justice, one core value of the rule of law which China often ignores.
Embracing Change and Working Together to Save the Planet
By Haoliang Xu
From fighting climate change to adapting to the fourth industrial revolution, it will take more than government action to make progress.