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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.
The US Says Myanmar Committed Genocide in Assaults on Rohingya
By Sebastian Strangio
The declaration is long overdue, but accountability for Myanmar's military remains a long way off.
Explaining the Vietnamese Public’s Mixed Responses to the Russia-Ukraine Crisis
By To Minh Son
Russian President Vladimir Putin has attracted both admirers and detractors among the country's active netizens.
Will the Philippines’ Future Be Pink?
By Analiza Liezl Perez-Amurao
As the country approaches presidential elections due in May, the Vice President Leni Robredo's campaign is gaining momentum.
Cambodia Convicts 20 Opposition Activists on Vague, Political Charges
By Sebastian Strangio
The convictions come ahead of important commune council elections scheduled for June.
Vietnam Blocks Activists From Attending Ukrainian Embassy Charity Event
By Sebastian Strangio
The fundraising event touched on a number of issues of great sensitivity to Hanoi.
Myanmar Army Has Committed Possible Crimes Against Humanity Since Coup, UN Says
By Sebastian Strangio
The U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights called for "meaningful action by the international community" to resolve the country's post-coup crisis.
Thailand’s Shattered APEC Dream
By Tita Sanglee
Thailand was hoping for a repeat of its successful 2003 chairmanship of APEC before the Russia-Ukraine war threw its plans into disarray.
Myanmar OKs Use of Thai Currency in Border Trade
By Elaine Kurtenbach
Seeking to limit Myanmar’s reliance on the U.S. dollar in trade, the military-led administration has agreed to accept Thai baht and plans a similar arrangement to accept Indian rupees.
Philippine Foreign Policy After Duterte
By Richard Javad Heydarian
Notwithstanding the radically divergent positions of different candidates, structural elements will shape and constrain the strategic options of the next Filipino president.
UK Urges Myanmar’s Former Ambassador to Abandon Official Residence
By Sebastian Strangio
Correspondence obtained by the Reuters news agency reveals junta pressure to evict the pro-democracy envoy Kyaw Zwar Minn from the ambassador's residence.
Malaysia’s Grand Old Party Scores Decisive Victory in Pivotal State Election
By Sebastian Strangio
The strong showing for the Barisan Nasional coalition is expected to intensify calls for an early general election.
Cashless and Flightless, Russian Tourists Stuck in Thailand
By Chalida Ekvitthayavechnukul
About 6,500 Russian tourists are stranded in southern Thailand, along with 1,000 Ukrainians.