Blog

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.

Page 2 of 296
Does Competing with the Chinese Communist Party Mean ‘Kicking It When It’s Down?’

Does Competing with the Chinese Communist Party Mean ‘Kicking It When It’s Down?’

By Raja Krishnamoorthi
No. It means American must reaffirm our commitment to investing in people, production, partnerships, and protection -- and embrace our fundamental political tradition of self-examination and improvement.
How China Games the Universal Periodic Review System

How China Games the Universal Periodic Review System

By Renee Xia and William Nee
China will try to manipulate a U.N. human rights review in January. States can’t let that happen.

Bombing Revives Fears of Islamist Militancy in the Philippines

Bombing Revives Fears of Islamist Militancy in the Philippines

By Georgi Engelbrecht
The December 3 bombing of a Catholic mass in Marawi City was an ominous warning as the Bangsamoro peace process approaches a crucial juncture.

Hong Kong’s Dismal December

Hong Kong’s Dismal December

By Benedict Rogers
The oppression of rights and political participation in Hong Kong marked new milestones at the end of 2023. The international community must hold Beijing to account at its upcoming UPR.

A Legitimate Election in Bangladesh Depends on a Free Press

A Legitimate Election in Bangladesh Depends on a Free Press

By Gypsy Guillén Kaiser and Angelita Baeyens
Journalists, whose daily reports are the lifeblood of information flows that make dynamic economies possible, risk being silenced in an amplified government crackdown.
UNESCO Has Failed to Prevent Forced Evictions at Angkor Wat

UNESCO Has Failed to Prevent Forced Evictions at Angkor Wat

By Sambath Reth
The rights group Amnesty International claims that thousands of families have been evicted from the world-famous temples over the past year.

A New Era of Japan-ASEAN Relations

A New Era of Japan-ASEAN Relations

By SUKEGAWA Seiya
‘Trust’ and ‘Mutual Benefit’ are the watchwords.
Setting the Record Straight: The KMT Defense Blueprint for Taiwan

Setting the Record Straight: The KMT Defense Blueprint for Taiwan

By Howard Shen
If elected, Hou Yu-ih plans to publish Taiwan’s first National Security Strategy within the first ten months of the presidency.

How the Global Refugee Forum Can Help End Afghanistan’s Refugee Crisis 

How the Global Refugee Forum Can Help End Afghanistan’s Refugee Crisis 

By M. Ashraf Haidari
Ultimately, restoring sustainable peace in Afghanistan is the only durable solution to the plight of its refugees. But there is much that can be done to work toward that goal and help people now.

Japan-South Korea Cooperation Rests on the Rule of Law

Japan-South Korea Cooperation Rests on the Rule of Law

By Jason Morgan and Kenji Yoshida
South Korea’s erratic court rulings and disharmony in the justice system are jeopardizing its bilateral relations with Japan.

Remember the Uyghur Genocide on the 75th Anniversary of the 1948 Genocide Convention

Remember the Uyghur Genocide on the 75th Anniversary of the 1948 Genocide Convention

By Omer Kanat
The pivot toward engagement with China by stalwart advocates of Uyghur rights like the United States, Australia, and the United Kingdom is concerning. 
Centering Human Rights at the Heart of Diplomatic Efforts for Intra-Afghan Dialogue 

Centering Human Rights at the Heart of Diplomatic Efforts for Intra-Afghan Dialogue 

By Nazifa Haqpal
Afghanistan has became “ground-zero for human rights and a graveyard of international norms.” 

Page 2 of 296