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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.
Maritime Security Cooperation in the South China Sea: Sailing In Different Directions
By Mark J. Valencia
“The diplomatic graveyard is full of failed proposals and efforts that did not take regional realities into account.”
The New Nuclear Normal in North Korea?
By Ankit Panda
North Korea is beginning to lower the profile of nuclear weapons in its external signaling.
Taiwan Can Help the UN Achieve Its Goals
By Jaushieh Joseph Wu
The United Nations should stand up to external pressures and open its doors to Taiwan.
The Damage Is Done: Trump and the Asia-Pacific
By Ankit Panda
The president’s successor will need to offer a path forward that addresses our current self-serving American approach.
The EU’s New China Resolution: Principled But Not Strategic
By Tim Rühlig
The new China resolution of the European Parliament differs considerably from the 2015 version.
Uzbekistan: Building on Centuries of Inter-Religious Harmony
By Javlon Vakhabov
The new leadership of Uzbekistan is openly tackling a backlog of challenges, including in the field of religious freedoms.
Rapprochement is a Prerequisite for Denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula
By Brad Stapleton
Washington’s focus on denuclearization puts the cart before the horse.
Can China Bring Peace to Africa?
By Semungus H. Gebrehiwot and Biruk M. Demissie
FOCAC is not all about economics. China is also making great contributions to peace and security on the continent.
A New Pakistan Government, a New Way to Persecute Ahmadis
By Kunwar Khuldune Shahid
The PTI government picked Atif Mian as an economic adviser -- then dropped him once his faith became an issue.
Indigenous Groups Descend on Manila Court to Protest Terror-List
By Paul Joseph Belisario
The groups gathered to press for the dismissal of a proscription list that labels indigenous leaders as “terrorist.”
Will the Historic US-India 2+2 Meeting Add Up?
By Raymond J. Vickery Jr.
The United States will need to supplement the 2+2 with a forward-leaning and consistent U.S.-India economic initiative.
American Hindus or Hindutva?
By Suhag Aseem Shukla
Allegations of sympathies, even financial support, by Hindu Americans to political forces in India must be called out as anti-Hindu.