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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.
After the Junaid Hafeez Verdict, Time to Face the Truth About Pakistan’s Blasphemy Law
By Kunwar Khuldune Shahid
Pakistan’s blasphemy law needs to be sentenced to death -- not so-called 'blasphemers.'
Can Sri Lanka’s Rajapaksas Walk the Talk on Hambantota?
By Ankit Panda
The deal by the previous government to hand over control to a Chinese firm was seen as a cautionary tale on the dangers of ‘debt trap’ diplomacy.
K-Pop Suicides Point to a Need for Industry Reforms
By Justin Fendos
The K-pop industry has some serious soul searching to do.
Reflections 70 Years After Leaving China for the US
By Chi Wang
A story of seven decades of changes in each country and in their bilateral relationship.
While Hong Kong Protests, Macau Sleeps Through Erosion of Freedoms
By Benedict Rogers
Macau is the posted child for what Beijing wants from 'one country, two systems.' That should worry Hong Kong greatly.
The Citizenship Amendment Bill and the ‘Theocratization’ of India
By Ritu Sharma
The CAB threatens to complete the vision of Mohammad Ali Jinnah’s Two-Nation Theory by obliterating India’s claim to secularism.
Following Kashmir Reorganization, China and India Should Negotiate a Land Swap
By Daniel Shats
It’s time to reconsider a deal to end the China-India border dispute once and for all.
China’s ’Hostage Diplomacy’ Cannot Be Allowed to Stand
By Ankit Panda
Michael Kovrig, Michael Spavor, and Yang Hengjun must be freed.
Japan-Korea: What’s in a Flag?
By Kan Kimura
Japan’s flag has emerged as a key element of bilateral tensions.
Trump’s War on the World Trade Organization
By Farah N. Jan and Megan Phansalkar
The international trading order is weakening as a result of U.S. actions.
China‘s Response to US Hong Kong Democracy Act Shows Deep Insecurities
By Ankit Panda
Chipping away at Hong Kong’s status in retaliation will only vindicate the U.S. move.
Hong Kong’s Protests: Look Beyond Tiananmen 2.0
By Victoria Tin-bor Hui
A fuller understanding of the two episodes suggests that the protests today have moved beyond any kind of sequel to the events of 1989.