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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.
A Blue Wave Won’t Rescue China
By Ivo H. Daalder and James M. Lindsay
A Democratic victory in the midterm elections will not change the substance of the years-long struggle between Washington and Beijing for economic and global supremacy.
Don't Count on the Maldives Sharply Swinging Away From China
By Ankit Panda
The country's newly elected president, Ibu Solih, is unlikely to fundamentally pull the Maldives away from China.
Building Confidence in Denuclearization: A Roadmap for the Korean Peninsula
By Tom Plant
Unlocking progress on denuclearization will take carefully thought-out confidence-building.
Is the Beijing Exception Finally Crumbling?
By Arch Puddington
China’s oppression of Muslims is cracking its de facto immunity from international criticism on human rights issues.
Kyrgyzstan’s Crackdown on Extremist Material: Further Reforms Needed
By Letta Tayler
Kyrgyzstan should focus on genuine threats, not throw people in jail for the videos they watch or the books they read.
Tech Firms Are Boosting China’s Cyber Power
By Sarah Cook
Cooperation with the CCP, often mandatory, carries risks as well as benefits.
A Productive Fifth Inter-Korean Summit, But Denuclearization Remains Distant
By Ankit Panda
Progress toward inter-Korean peace should be welcomed, but denuclearization is another thing entirely.
A Boiling Pot: The CCP’s Increasingly Intrusive Surveillance in Tibet
By Tenzin Tsultrim
China’s repressive campaign in Xinjiang is now well-known. But what about Tibet?
What’s Behind the Release of Cambodia’s Opposition Leader?
By David Hutt
The freeing of Kem Sokha has raised bigger questions about power and the way it is exercised in Cambodia.
Will Taiwan Trap Itself Into ‘One China’ Again?
By Lin Fei-fan
In Taipei Mayor Ko Wen-je, China might have found a useful wedge to influence Taiwan's domestic politics.
Unsilenced: Male Rape by the Sri Lankan Security Forces
By Ana Pararajasingham
A new report documents the widespread use of sexual torture on male Tamil detainees.
Japan's Shameful Myanmar Embrace
By Lisa Tassi
Japan is on the wrong side of history over Myanmar’s atrocities against the Rohingya.