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ASEAN Beat

‘One Vision, One Identity, One Community.’ That’s the ASEAN motto. But what’s the reality? Our bloggers based around this diverse and strategically key region give you an insider’s perspective on politics, security and society in South-east Asia.

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Philippines’ Martial Law Era Remembered Under a New Marcos Presidency

Philippines’ Martial Law Era Remembered Under a New Marcos Presidency

By Jim Gomez
Activists are keen to push back against propaganda that has portrayed the late dictator's reign as a "golden era."
Why Vietnam Should be Worried About Laos’ Economic Crisis

Why Vietnam Should be Worried About Laos’ Economic Crisis

By Khang Vu
The country's travails could deepen China's influence and destabilize the longstanding alliance between Hanoi and Vientiane.

US Adds Vietnam, Cambodia, Brunei to Human Trafficking Blacklist

US Adds Vietnam, Cambodia, Brunei to Human Trafficking Blacklist

By Sebastian Strangio
The State Department's 2022 Trafficking in Persons report gave five out of 11 Southeast Asian nations its lowest Tier 3 rating.

Qatari Telecoms Firm Ooredoo Negotiating Exit From Myanmar: Report

Qatari Telecoms Firm Ooredoo Negotiating Exit From Myanmar: Report

By Sebastian Strangio
News that the Doha-based company is seeking to offload its Myanmar unit follows the exit of Norway’s Telenor earlier this year.

Timor-Leste Hopes to Join ASEAN When Indonesia Chairs in 2023

Timor-Leste Hopes to Join ASEAN When Indonesia Chairs in 2023

By Achmad Ibrahim and Niniek Karmini
The nation officially applied for full membership of ASEAN in 2011, but the rest of the bloc has yet to make a final decision.
EU, ASEAN to Hold First Inter-Bloc Summit in December: Report

EU, ASEAN to Hold First Inter-Bloc Summit in December: Report

By Sebastian Strangio
According to EU diplomats cited by Reuters, the two blocs will hold their first full summit in Brussels in December.

Ample Opportunities to Level Up Australia-Vietnam Relations

Ample Opportunities to Level Up Australia-Vietnam Relations

By Huynh Tam Sang and Pham Do An
With the election of a new Australian government, the chance to elevate ties between Hanoi and Canberra to the level of a comprehensive strategic partnership is within reach.
9 Killed in Attack in Indonesia’s Papua Province, Say Police

9 Killed in Attack in Indonesia’s Papua Province, Say Police

By Sebastian Strangio
The killings came amid protests over an Indonesian government plan to create new provinces in the eastern region.

Deadline Looms for Indonesia’s Harsh New Internet Content Restrictions

Deadline Looms for Indonesia’s Harsh New Internet Content Restrictions

By Sebastian Strangio
The regulation grants the authorities the power to fine or block social media platforms that fail to comply with government content moderation orders.

Thai Activists Targeted With Pegasus Spyware, Claims Report

Thai Activists Targeted With Pegasus Spyware, Claims Report

By Sebastian Strangio
The Citizen Lab, a cybersecurity group, claims that at least 30 prominent activists had their devices infected with the spyware between October 2020 and November 2021.

Imprisoned Vietnamese Journalist Garlanded by Press Freedom Group

Imprisoned Vietnamese Journalist Garlanded by Press Freedom Group

By Sebastian Strangio
Pham Doan Trang is currently serving a nine-year prison sentence for conducting “propaganda against the State.”
Myanmar’s Aung San Suu Kyi Testifies in Election Fraud Trial

Myanmar’s Aung San Suu Kyi Testifies in Election Fraud Trial

By Kiko Rosario
A conviction could lead to her party being dissolved and unable to participate in a new election the military has promised will take place in 2023.

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