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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.
Why Singapore Has Chosen to Impose Sanctions on Russia
By Xirui Li
Singapore's stance reflects its own perception of vulnerability and its concern for the fate of the world's small states.
Myanmar Timber Exports Continue, Despite Western Sanctions: Report
By Sebastian Strangio
According to the environmental advocacy group Forest Trends, much more can be done to strangle the junta's access to natural resource revenues.
Hydropower Dams Have Had ‘Profound’ Impact on Mekong River, Monitor Claims
By Sebastian Strangio
A year of data from the Mekong Dam Monitor shows the extent of the impact on Southeast Asia's longest river.
Thai Activist Sentenced to 2 Years Prison for Defaming King
By Sebastian Strangio
Narin Kulpongsathron is accused of affixing a sticker to a portrait of King Vajiralongkorn during a political protest in 2020.
Myanmar Junta Revokes Citizenship of Opposition Figures, NUG Ministers
By Sebastian Strangio
Stripping dissenters of their citizenship is a tried and tested policy of Myanmar's military.
The Philippine Government’s Distrust of Fact-Checkers
By Mong Palatino
Fact-checkers are a vital bulwark against the wave of election-related misinformation. But such efforts are coming under attack.
ASEAN Envoy Confirms Mission to Myanmar Later This Month
By Sebastian Strangio
Cambodian Foreign Minister Prak Sokhonn will make his first official mission to the country as envoy on March 20-23.
Separatist Fighters Kill 8 Telecom Technicians in Papua Province
By Sebastian Strangio
The attack came on the same day that a group of U.N. experts called out Indonesia's "shocking abuses" in the eastern province.
Russia’s Invasion of Ukraine: The Diplomatic Dilemma Facing Vietnam
By Hai Hong Nguyen
The country has historically enjoyed good relations with both Moscow and Kyiv.
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
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?
By Tita Sanglee
The leader of the Move Forward Party has promised to move fundamental rights to the forefront of Thailand's foreign policy.