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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.
Asia-Pacific Gen-Zers at COP29
By Sacha Shaw
Across Asia and the Pacific, a new generation is attending the U.N. climate change conference to make their voices heard. These are some of their stories.
Fossil Gas is Not Compatible With Indonesia’s Net Zero Ambitions
By Adila Isfandiari and Tata Mustasya
The country's plans to use natural gas as a transitional fuel will hinder rather than help its green energy transition.
As 45 Activists Face Life Sentences in Hong Kong, the World Must Respond
By Megan Khoo
International governments must seriously consider how to adequately respond to both the sentencing of Hong Kong democrats and the trial of Jimmy Lai.
In Not Prosecuting Duterte, Marcos Shows Political and Moral Cowardice
By David Hutt
The Philippine president is relying on international law in the South China Sea. He should also pursue accountability for victims of his predecessor's bloody drug war.
Why Climate Diplomacy Should Be at the Top of Prabowo Subianto’s Agenda
By Rafi Adis Subarna
During his current foreign tour, the Indonesian leader has an opportunity to advocate for the interests of both his own country and the developing world as a whole.
Taiwan’s Commitment to Climate Action
By Peng Chi-ming
Though shut out of U.N. processes, Taiwan continues to press forward with its pursuit of a just transition to net-zero emissions.
Three Years of Atrocities in Myanmar’s Chin State
By Salai Za Uk
The need for stronger international action against the country’s military junta has never been greater.
Hong Kong’s Digital Battle Against State Surveillance
By Megan Khoo
Violations of digital rights in Hong Kong and against Hong Kongers in exile around the world are all too common.
Extreme Weather Has Already Cost Vulnerable Island Nations $141 Billion
By Emily Wilkinson, Ilan Noy, Matthew Bishop, and Vikrant Panwar
Small island developing states like Fiji and Vanuatu are uniquely vulnerable to climate change and are already paying the price. Developed countries need to pay up.
Mekong Dams Are Undermining the Region’s Climate, Economic Health
By Pianporn Deetes and Tanya Lee Roberts-Davis
Five years after the Xayaburi dam in northern Laos began operations, the cost of Mekong hydropower is becoming ever more clear.
A Just Transition for Asia’s Waste Pickers
By Nalini Shekar and Geetanjali Sharma
Waste pickers manage approximately 60 percent of the world’s plastic waste that is collected for recycling. Responsibly eliminating plastic pollution necessitates carefully managing and minimizing the associated challenges.
Taiwan’s Role in Driving Climate Action and Regional Sustainability
By Tsaiying Lu, Meng-Hui Lin, Chen-Yen Chang, Elizabeth Frost, and Yu-Ping Yang
With ongoing disputes over climate finance at the U.N. level, regional efforts could fill the gap – and Taiwan can help.