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.
October 01, 2021
PNG’s Prime Minister Wants to Save His Country’s Rainforest. He Can’t Do It Alone.
By G.S. Maribu
Prime Minister James Marape championed the Pacific's climate push at the 76th United Nations General Assembly with a proposal to preserve PNG's rainforest in exchange for development financing.
September 29, 2021
What Does ‘Free and Open’ Really Mean for the Indo-Pacific?
By Ken Weisbrode
The phrase is often read as code for “U.S.-aligned,” but what does it really mean?
September 28, 2021
What Vietnam’s President Sought to Achieve at the 76th UNGA
By Le Dinh Tinh
As a mid-level power that is deeply integrated into global supply chains, Vietnam has a strong interest in the future of global multilateralism.
September 24, 2021
Taiwan’s New Southbound Policy Needs to Focus More on India
By Sana Hashmi
Five years into the NSP, it’s time to elevate India on Taiwan’s diplomatic agenda.
September 24, 2021
Revitalizing US Diplomatic Engagement With Central Asia
By Richard E. Hoagland and Michael S. Repass
The U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan underscores the need for an enhanced diplomatic approach to the region.
September 23, 2021
Bringing Clean Air to 4 Billion People in Asia
By Kaoru Akahoshi and Eric Zusman
To tackle air pollution, we need solutions that break down boundaries - between countries, regions, and diverse stakeholders.
September 23, 2021
UK-ASEAN Dialogue Partnership Paves Way to Potential Future Trade Accord
By Andrew Hood and Bob Savic
Since its exit from the European Union, London has moved swiftly to deepen its relationship with a fast-growing region.
September 21, 2021
China, Wolf Warrior Diplomacy and Taiwan
By KODA Yoji
Beijing’s recalcitrance is ultimately going to be unsustainable.
September 20, 2021
The US Should Support South Korea’s Nuclear Submarine Aspirations
By Jihoon Yu and Erik French
After offering SSNs to Australia, it’s time to extend similar support to South Korea.
September 17, 2021
How Asia Can Achieve a Just Energy Transition in a Post-COVID World
By Nithi Nesadurai and Hang Dao
A just transition to renewable energy is not just good for the environment, it’s great for the economy, too.
September 17, 2021
Pakistan’s Shameful Glee at the Taliban’s Rise
By Mohsin Dawar
An elected representative of North Waziristan urges the Pakistani government to confront the reality of what the Taliban’s rise to power in Afghanistan will mean for Pakistan.
September 16, 2021
19 Months Into the Pandemic, China Is Still Shutting Out US Students
By Ethan McAndrews, Anthony Edwards, and Hannah Sorenson
Beijing’s lack of foreign student reciprocity poses a major threat to the long-term future of the China-U.S. relationship.