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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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UN Experts Call Out ‘Shocking Abuses’ in Indonesia’s Papua Region

UN Experts Call Out ‘Shocking Abuses’ in Indonesia’s Papua Region

By Sebastian Strangio
Human rights specialists noted a deterioration in the security situation since the assassination of a high-ranking Indonesian intelligence officer last April.
Myanmar Junta Pardons Prominent Entertainers Arrested for Anti-Coup Activities

Myanmar Junta Pardons Prominent Entertainers Arrested for Anti-Coup Activities

By Sebastian Strangio
Most were arrested for incitement after taking part in protests in the weeks following last year's coup d'etat.

What Would Thailand’s Foreign Policy Look Like Under Pita Limjaroenrat’s Leadership?

What Would Thailand’s Foreign Policy Look Like Under Pita Limjaroenrat’s Leadership?

By Tita Sanglee
The leader of the Move Forward Party has promised to move fundamental rights to the forefront of Thailand's foreign policy.

3 Killed in Philippine Army Attack on Militant Camp in Mindanao

3 Killed in Philippine Army Attack on Militant Camp in Mindanao

By Sebastian Strangio
The attack was intended to root out 50 fighters belonging to the Dawlah Islamiya group, which was responsible for the 2017 siege of Marawi city.

Myanmar Junta Accused of ‘Hostage Taking’ During Sagaing Raids

Myanmar Junta Accused of ‘Hostage Taking’ During Sagaing Raids

By Sebastian Strangio
The northwestern region of Myanmar has become a hotbed of resistance to the junta.
The Rise of Muslim Millenarianism in Malaysia

The Rise of Muslim Millenarianism in Malaysia

By Muhammad Haziq Bin Jani
Eschatological or “end-times” narratives have become increasingly popular among Malaysian Muslims.

US Government Sets Date for Special ASEAN Summit in Washington

US Government Sets Date for Special ASEAN Summit in Washington

By Sebastian Strangio
President Joe Biden will welcome ASEAN leaders to Washington on March 28-29, though military-ruled Myanmar is likely to be excluded.
Breaking with ASEAN, Some Regional Leaders Find Their Voice Over Ukraine

Breaking with ASEAN, Some Regional Leaders Find Their Voice Over Ukraine

By Luke Hunt
Jettisoning Myanmar and admitting Timor-Leste would bolster the bloc.

Singapore Announces Sanctions on Russia Over Ukraine Invasion

Singapore Announces Sanctions on Russia Over Ukraine Invasion

By Sebastian Strangio
The city-state will impose export controls on items with a military use, and block certain financial transactions with Russian banks.

Ahead of Vietnam Tourism Opening, Daily Omicron Toll Nears 100,000

Ahead of Vietnam Tourism Opening, Daily Omicron Toll Nears 100,000

By Sebastian Strangio
On March 15, the government plans to reopen the country fully to international tourists.

ASEAN Foreign Ministers Express ‘Deep Concern’ About Ukraine Crisis

ASEAN Foreign Ministers Express ‘Deep Concern’ About Ukraine Crisis

By Sebastian Strangio
The statement sidestepped any direct mention of Russia, and referred to the invasion as an "evolving situation."
Philippines’s Mandatory SIM Card Registration Threatens Privacy and Free Speech

Philippines’s Mandatory SIM Card Registration Threatens Privacy and Free Speech

By Mong Palatino
Opponents claim that the new law could become "a potent tool for mass surveillance and authoritarianism."

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