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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.
Action Needed Now to Address the Humanitarian Catastrophe in Afghanistan
By Youssof Ghafoorzai
With winter approaching, the human tragedy that has befallen the people of Afghanistan will only worsen. Urgent action is needed.
Justice for the Uyghurs: What the US Can Do
By Abduweli Ayup and Yonah Diamond
The U.S. can take some immediate, common-sense steps holding the CCP accountable for its transnational repression and offering effective humanitarian assistance for the Uyghurs.
Taiwan to Host 1st WorldPride in East Asia: Why That’s Important
By Jason Bartlett
Kaohsiung beat out Washington D.C. to host WorldPride 2025.
How Universal Basic Income Can Advance the United States’ China Strategy
By Scott Singer and Ben Silvian
The infrastructure bill is a good start, but the U.S. must go much further in “domestic renewal” to truly compete with China.
What Peng Shuai’s Story Tells Us About #MeToo in China
By Lü Pin
Peng’s story is an example of a woman sharing her story and demanding justice. That is what has kept #MeToo growing strong since the beginning, despite heavy censorship.
Taking the Climate Crisis Seriously Requires Ambitious Anti-Corruption Solutions
By Ian J. Lynch and Maja Groff
The climate change movement should recognize the threat grand corruption poses to achieving its goals.
For Free and Fair Elections, Cambodia Must Let Opposition Leaders Return
By Sam Rainsy
Leaders of the CNRP – including the author – must be allowed to return to Cambodia before the next elections.
Is the Asia-Pacific Ready for the Global Climate Stage?
By Armida Salsiah Alisjahbana
Asian and Pacific countries’ climate ambitions will determine if the region – indeed the world – has any hope of keeping the temperature increase well below 2 degrees.
The G-20 Can’t Ignore the World’s China Problem
By Nathan Law and Rahima Mahmut
A regime that is allowed to commit genocide and violate international agreements with impunity is a regime that will be emboldened to continue to commit atrocity crimes and threaten others beyond its borders.
Taiwan: Cooperating With the World to Achieve a Net-Zero Future
By Chang Tzi-chin
Taiwan has established long-term reduction targets and is planning a practical path to attain net-zero emissions by 2050, the environmental minister writes.
Without China, Efforts to Reverse Deforestation Will Fail
By Luciana Tellez-Chavez
Demand -- for lumber, meat, soybeans, and other goods -- is driving deforestation around the world. And China is a major customer.
World Stands by as a COVID Crisis Unfolds in Papua New Guinea
By John Fleming
With countries like Papua New Guinea on the edge of crisis, richer countries can do more to help supply vaccines and mitigate hesitancy.