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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.
A Year Behind Bars: Release Tajikistani Human Rights Defender Manuchehr Kholiqnazarov
By Alva Omarova
On December 9, 2022, after a closed-door trial, the lawyer and human rights defender was sentenced to 16 years’ imprisonment.
Forecasting Democratic Futures in Asia and the Pacific
By Michael Runey and Emma Kenny
What, if anything, can Asia's democrats do to reverse the reactionary trends of recent years?
Taiwan Strait Tensions: Don’t Blame the Victim
By Chieh-Ting Yeh
The rush to find a China-U.S. modus vivendi on Taiwan often involves intentionally overlooking the unequal nature of “provocations.”
Singapore’s Role as a Neutral Interpreter of China to the West
By Walter Woon
If the growing West-China division is to be bridged, the Western world needs a more nuanced interpretation of China. Singapore can play that role.
Some China Contacts With Henry Kissinger
By Jerome A. Cohen
Dr. Jerome Cohen offers his personal experiences interacting with Kissinger on China issues – with all the complexity that involved.
Muslim-Majority Countries’ Complicity in the Uyghur Genocide
By Abdulhakim Idris
The Muslim world is quick to denounce Islamophobia in the West, but has been markedly silent of China’s attacks on Islam and Uyghur culture.
Taiwan’s Election Isn’t About War. It’s About Clarity.
By Vincent Y. Chao
A spokesperson for DPP candidate William Lai pushes back on the KMT’s preferred framing of the presidential race.
Smackdown on O’Smach: Cambodia’s Path Out of Tier 3?
By Arthur Eremita
There may yet be a chance for the country’s new government to charm itself into a human trafficking upgrade.
Revisiting China: One Year After the White Paper Movement
By Jianli Yang
Is China any closer to meaningful political change?
Cambodian PM’s First 100 Days Show Real Transfer of Power Yet to Come
By Sam Rainsy
As expected, the new government led by Prime Minister Hun Manet has been a case of old wine in new bottles.
Want to Reset China-US Relations? Bring Back Fulbright China
By Colleen O’Connor and Elizabeth M. Lynch
Restoring the Fulbright Program could be a gateway to alleviating tensions and closing the China expertise gap.
G7 President Japan Has a Final Chance for Energy Leadership at COP28
By Yoko Mulholland, Hanna Hakko, and Kat Petersen
As its G-7 presidency concludes, Japan has an opportunity to advance delivery of the global clean energy transition at COP28.