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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.
Vietnam’s High-Speed Railway is Back on the Agenda
By Sebastian Strangio
The project was rejected a decade ago due to its eye-watering cost. Are things any different now?
Report Claims 38 Singapore-Based Firms Supplying Myanmar’s Military
By Sebastian Strangio
In a new report, Justice For Myanmar names 116 companies that are supplying arms to the Tatmadaw, including 38 from the city-state.
Vietnam Takes Major Step Forward in Recognizing LGBTQ Rights
By Sebastian Strangio
The country's Health Ministry has instructed doctors to stop treating homosexuality as a disease, and to cease discrimination in medical care.
Malaysian FM Again Pushes for Talks With Myanmar Opposition
By Sebastian Strangio
The time between now and the ASEAN Summit in November could be crucial in shaping the bloc’s approach toward the crisis in Myanmar.
The Taiwan Crisis Could Spill Over Into Southeast Asia
By Huynh Tam Sang
The current intensification of U.S.-China tensions will undoubtedly be felt in the region, placing Southeast Asian governments in a tricky position.
Former Workers Sue Multinational Firms Over Alleged Malaysian Labor Abuses
By Sebastian Strangio
Ansell Ltd and Kimberly-Clark Corp are accused of "knowingly profiting" from the use of trafficked labor by a key Malaysian supplier.
US Officials Facilitate Return of Looted Antiquities to Cambodia
By Sebastian Strangio
These are the latest artifacts to be recovered as a result of the ongoing U.S. investigations into the activities of the late British antiquities trader Douglas Latchford.
The Myanmar Military’s Roadmap to Survival
By Amara Thiha
A recent major speech by SAC Chairman Min Aung Hlaing laid out three areas of priority for the besieged military administration.
Indonesian Defense Minister Readies for Third Presidential Run
By Sebastian Strangio
More than 18 months out from the country's next presidential election, the jostling and maneuvering is kicking into high gear.
‘The Sacrifice Zone’: Myanmar Bears Cost of Green Energy
By Dake Kang, Victoria Milko, and Lori Hinnant
Just as dirty rare earths trickle down the supply chains of companies, they also slip through the cracks of regulation.
Leading Marcos Critic Arrested On Cyber-Libel Charges
By Sebastian Strangio
Walden Bello's arrest is an indication that the Philippines remains on the same downward human rights trajectory under President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
Malaysia and the ‘Indo-Pacific’: Why the Hesitancy?
By Khoo Ying Hooi
The country's strategic and policymaking class has been slow to get on board the new strategic concept.