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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.
Don’t Mess With Taiwan
By Michael McCaul
The U.S. commitment to Taiwan will never be up for discussion with China, warns House Representative Michael McCaul.
The US-China Trade War Could Spell Election Defeat for Canada’s Trudeau
By Kurt Fifelski
The Canadian prime minister might become the most high-profile casualty of U.S.-China frictions.
America’s Obsession With Chinese Spying Is Hurting Innocent People
By Chi Wang
Has the U.S. government decided that Chinese Americans can never truly be Americans?
Japan’s Economic Sanctions on Korea: Part of a Phased Plan
By Yuji Hosaka
Japan’s use of export controls against Seoul is part of a well-conceived retaliatory plan.
NATO Needs a China Policy
By Helena Legarda and Meia Nouwens
NATO needs a coordinated and comprehensive strategy to deal with an ever-more confident China.
South Korea Needs to End Its Military Ban on Sex Between Men
By Roseann Rife
South Korea’s military must stop treating LGBTI people as the enemy.
Why the US-Australian Alliance Will Endure: An American Perspective
By Jeremy Maxie and Grant Newsham
For the U.S. to abandon Australia is to abandon its national interests, strategic position and credibility in Asia.
What Did the US Give up to Restart Trade Talks With China?
By Shannon Tiezzi
Washington compromised on more than Huawei.
Filipino Women Push for Human Rights Defenders Law
By Rosanna Langara
The Philippines is one of the most deadly countries for HRDs. Activists, with women at the forefront, are trying to change that.
China’s South China Sea Anti-Ship Missile Tests Up the Stakes
By Ankit Panda
The tests send a sharp message to the United States Navy.
Could Hong Kong Become Another Estonia?
By Walter C. Clemens, Jr.
The independence of the Baltic states also seemed unthinkable -- until it became reality.
Could a ‘Big Freeze’ Be Trump’s Path to a Nobel Prize?
By Graham Allison
A freeze was never envisioned as the end of talks with North Korea. It may be the beginning of denuclearization.