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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.
India-China Doklam Standoff: A Chinese Perspective
By Liu Lin
The reasons for the outbreak of tensions are complex, and things could get worse before they could get better.
American Tianxia: What If This Isn't the Chinese Century?
By Francis P. Sempa
Salvatore Babones’s book challenges the narrative of U.S. decline and Chinese global dominance.
Australia Must Lift Its Game If It Wants to Lead on the Human Rights Council
By Tom Clarke
Australia now looks certain to take a seat at the UN’s Human Rights Council, but will it be constructive or a spoiler?
Imagining a 'Finlandized' Korea
By Ben Rimland
A recent proposal sparked controversy, but it's more feasible than it appears at first glance.
Cyclone Mora: Bangladesh’s Natural Disaster Warning System Saved Thousands
By Sajeeb Wazed
The country has made real strides in reducing its exposure to catastrophe.
Did Aung San Lead at Panglong – or Follow?
By Stanley A. Weiss
Myanmar's ethnic minorities have a different view on Aung San's place in history.
Where Is China's Corruption Crackdown?
By Chris Zhang
The campaign continues despite a somewhat rocky road.
Time for Nawaz Sharif to Resign
By Kunwar Khuldune Shahid
It is the prime minister's refusal to resign that will damage democracy in Pakistan.
The Doklam Standoff Is The Beginning of a Troubling New Era in India-China Ties
By Gaurav Kalwani
The Doklam standoff is just the beginning of challenging times for India.
Timor-Leste: Failing State or Missed Opportunity?
By Tahnee Reed
Worries about Timor-Leste are understandable, but analysts shouldn't overlook signs of progress.
The Chinese Cult of Cairo and the Status of Taiwan
By Michal Thim and Michael Turton
After World War II, Taiwan was never formally returned to China -- whether the ROC or the PRC.
A Year Later, the South China Sea Award Stands as Evidence of China's Rule-Breaking Behavior
By Ankit Panda
Beijing's behavior continues to flout the July 12 ruling, but it'll stand as a historical fact.