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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.
STEM Gender Bias Cripples Asia-Pacific Region
By Lateisha Ugwuegbula
The future depends on girls and women having equal opportunities to learn – and to contribute – in the STEM disciplines.
What We Can All Learn From Australia’s Bushfires
By Luke Gosling
Pinning the blame on others and saying “but they’re worse than us!” is not a responsible climate policy.
US Must Recapture Lost Ground in Southeast Asia or Risk Being Shut Out
By John Goyer
The “State of Southeast Asia 2020” report is a warning bell for American influence in the region.
Maritime Security in the Asia-Pacific: Measuring Challenges and Progress
By Jay Benson
Only by seeking to measure maritime security dynamics in uniform and rigorous ways can we begin to understand the scope of the challenges and make progress.
Taiwan’s Electoral System Puts the US to Shame
By Dominique Reichenbach
The United States has much to learn from Taiwan’s open democratic processes.
If Pakistan Won’t Evacuate Its Citizens From Wuhan, India Should
By Shairee Malhotra
India should make a formal offer to evacuate Pakistani students stranded in Wuhan amid the coronavirus quarantine.
Is It Time to Embrace the Anthropocene?
By Ganesh Chakravarthi
The Anthropocene requires that humanity take responsibility for preserving the earth and its species.
Beware China’s ‘Barbarian Handlers’
By William Choong
A recent appeal by a senior PLA officer should be read with appropriate caveats in mind.
The World Can Benefit From Taiwan’s WHO Participation
By Eric Li-Luan Chu
With Taiwan absent from the WHO, the health of the Taiwanese people and the world is at greater risk.
Huawei’s Human Rights Record Has Been Shamefully Ignored
By David Alton
The U.K. has been outspoken against the persecution of Uyghurs in Xinjiang; rewarding major contracts to the architects of the surveillance system undermines this.
Hong Kong Hurts Itself By Financially Excluding Foreign Domestic Workers
By Jason Hung
Hong Kong should prioritize economic reforms benefiting foreign domestic workers.
Sam Rainsy: Cambodia’s Ruling Party Is More Divided Than the Public Knows
By Sam Rainsy
The opposition leader argues that Hun Sen is using Kem Sokha’s trial to bolster his authority within the ruling party.