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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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Supporting Timor-Leste’s ASEAN Membership Should Be a Priority for Its Friends
May 17, 2023

Supporting Timor-Leste’s ASEAN Membership Should Be a Priority for Its Friends

By Melissa Conley Tyler and Parker Novak
Other countries can support Timor-Leste in the bureaucratic development needed to attend and contribute meaningfully to ASEAN’s numerous annual meetings.
Race to Zero in Asia and the Pacific: Our Hopes in the Climate Fight
May 12, 2023

Race to Zero in Asia and the Pacific: Our Hopes in the Climate Fight

By Armida Salsiah Alisjahbana
39 countries have committed to carbon neutrality and net zero between 2050 and 2060. This momentum needs to accelerate like a bullet train.

Thai Elections Won’t Restore the Rule of Law
May 12, 2023

Thai Elections Won’t Restore the Rule of Law

By Sirikan Charoensiri
A 15-year-old sits in detention for insulting the monarchy. With such cases in progress, the election this Sunday alone can’t be expected to put Thailand back on track.

Japan Welcomed This Ukrainian Refugee. Here’s What He Had to Say About the Process.
May 10, 2023

Japan Welcomed This Ukrainian Refugee. Here’s What He Had to Say About the Process.

By Emily Schroen
The experience of Oleksii Yashchyrynskyi reflects Tokyo's surprising willingness to open its arms to refugees from the Russia-Ukraine war.

Why NATO’s Planned Liaison Office in Japan Is a Bad Idea
May 09, 2023

Why NATO’s Planned Liaison Office in Japan Is a Bad Idea

By Kelly Grieco
Although Indo-Pacific countries are seemingly receptive to the idea, NATO’s greater involvement in the region may well do more harm than good to security and stability.
Manila’s Focus on External Defense Needs Peace in Mindanao
May 08, 2023

Manila’s Focus on External Defense Needs Peace in Mindanao

By Georgi Engelbrecht
Despite its increasing focus on external threats, the Philippine government can't afford to take the Bangsamoro peace process for granted.

Challenges Advancing Gender Equality in Myanmar’s Karenni State
May 05, 2023

Challenges Advancing Gender Equality in Myanmar’s Karenni State

By Maggi Quadrini and Anonymous
If Myanmar's revolution is to succeed, it must tackle the patriarchal structures that underpin the country's militarized political culture.
UK Foreign Minister’s China Speech Lacks Details on Rights
May 04, 2023

UK Foreign Minister’s China Speech Lacks Details on Rights

By Maya Wang
It is unclear whether the U.K. government is willing to translate its words about human rights into action and hold Chinese officials responsible for serious human rights violations. 

Myanmar’s Military Is No Longer in Effective Control of the Country
May 03, 2023

Myanmar’s Military Is No Longer in Effective Control of the Country

By Kim Jolliffe
The country's neighbors continue to treat the military administration like a viable sovereign entity. They risk being left behind by events.

Myanmar Junta’s Airstrikes: Strike Back Where It Hurts
May 02, 2023

Myanmar Junta’s Airstrikes: Strike Back Where It Hurts

By Salai Za Uk Ling, Michael Howard, and Rosalinn Zahau
As the junta steps up strikes on civilians, especially in Chin State, the United States must also ramp up its response.

Biden Should Press Philippines’ Marcos on Human Rights Concerns 
May 01, 2023

Biden Should Press Philippines’ Marcos on Human Rights Concerns 

By Elaine Pearson
President Marcos Jr. has shown little inclination to tackle persistent rights problems in the Philippines or pursue justice for past crimes. 
The CCP Messes With Texas (and Florida)
April 29, 2023

The CCP Messes With Texas (and Florida)

By Seth Kaplan
Recent cases in Texas and Florida illustrate how the Chinese Communist Party is using WeChat and other means to try and shape public policy outcomes. 

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