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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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.