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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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The Dilemma Facing Myanmar’s National Unity Government

The Dilemma Facing Myanmar’s National Unity Government

By Benjamin Mok
The country’s opposition shadow government faces a difficult choice between condoning attacks on civilians and promoting civilian immunity.
Dutch PM Apologizes for Atrocities Committed During Indonesian Independence War

Dutch PM Apologizes for Atrocities Committed During Indonesian Independence War

By Sebastian Strangio
Prime Minister Mark Rutte's apology followed the publication of a government-funded report into the conduct of Dutch troops during the 1945-49 conflict.

Myanmar Crisis Overshadows Meeting of ASEAN Foreign Ministers

Myanmar Crisis Overshadows Meeting of ASEAN Foreign Ministers

By Sebastian Strangio
The informal gathering took place without the involvement of the junta's appointed foreign minister, but a path forward on the crisis is hard to see.

Is Thailand’s Buddhist Sangha Undergoing a Political Sea Change?

Is Thailand’s Buddhist Sangha Undergoing a Political Sea Change?

By Christian Kurzydlowski
The Thai Buddhist order has long helped to legitimize and prop up the prevailing monarchical order.

Who Is Thammanat Prompao, the Man Shaking up Thailand’s Ruling Coalition?

Who Is Thammanat Prompao, the Man Shaking up Thailand’s Ruling Coalition?

By Tita Sanglee
Despite being expelled from the Phalang Pracharat Party, the former deputy agriculture minister is creating headaches for Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha.
Chinese Pipeline in Myanmar Damaged in Attack by Anti-Regime Forces

Chinese Pipeline in Myanmar Damaged in Attack by Anti-Regime Forces

By Sebastian Strangio
Chinese facilities and enterprises are increasingly being caught in the crossfire of the struggle between the PDFs and the Tatmadaw.

Southeast Asian Elite Survey Paints Complex Picture of China Ties

Southeast Asian Elite Survey Paints Complex Picture of China Ties

By Sebastian Strangio
The ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute's latest State of Southeast Asia survey reflects the region's fraught and ambivalent view of China's rising power.
Indonesia Breaks Daily COVID-19 Record as Omicron Surge Continues

Indonesia Breaks Daily COVID-19 Record as Omicron Surge Continues

By Sebastian Strangio
The surge has prompted the authorities to reintroduce some limited social restrictions on Java and Bali.

Cambodia Puts Controversial National Internet Gateway Plan on Hold

Cambodia Puts Controversial National Internet Gateway Plan on Hold

By Sebastian Strangio
Under proposed rules, Cambodian ISPs would be required to route all of their internet traffic through a single, government-controlled chokepoint.

Rohingya Militancy: Myth or Reality?

Rohingya Militancy: Myth or Reality?

By Shafi Md Mostofa
Rohingya refugees have so far proven surprisingly resistant to the siren call of global jihadi ideology.

Japan’s Kirin to Finalize Withdrawal From Myanmar

Japan’s Kirin to Finalize Withdrawal From Myanmar

By Sebastian Strangio
After a year of failed negotiations with its military-linked joint venture partner, the Japanese beverage maker has become the latest foreign firm to exit the country.
Myanmar Junta to Spurn ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting

Myanmar Junta to Spurn ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting

By Sebastian Strangio
The decision came after Cambodia, ASEAN's current chair, announced that the junta would only be permitted to send a "non-political" representative.

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