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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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Marking Myanmar Coup Anniversary, Western Governments Target Judiciary With Sanctions

Marking Myanmar Coup Anniversary, Western Governments Target Judiciary With Sanctions

By Sebastian Strangio
The coordinated move follows a series of recent convictions against ousted leader Aung San Suu Kyi.
Myanmar Junta Set to Pass Draconian Cyber Security Law

Myanmar Junta Set to Pass Draconian Cyber Security Law

By Sebastian Strangio
Among the provisions is a ban on VPNs, which the population has used to circumvent state controls on social media networks like Facebook.

Rampant Logging Threatens Cambodia’s Indigenous Communities: Rights Group

Rampant Logging Threatens Cambodia’s Indigenous Communities: Rights Group

By Sebastian Strangio
Since the 1990s, logging revenues have been an integral part of Cambodia's extractive political economy.

Indonesia-Israel Relations: Is a Breakthrough Imminent?

Indonesia-Israel Relations: Is a Breakthrough Imminent?

By Jefferson Ng
A normalization of relations between the two nations no longer looks impossible, though key obstacles remain.

Indonesia’s Economic Vision: Opportunities for Latin America

Indonesia’s Economic Vision: Opportunities for Latin America

By Sebastián Sterzer
Indonesia's attempt at economic transformation offers opportunities, if Latin American countries are ready to seize them.
Philippines’ Marcos to Pursue Bilateral Deal With Beijing Over South China Sea

Philippines’ Marcos to Pursue Bilateral Deal With Beijing Over South China Sea

By Sebastian Strangio
The leading candidate's comments suggest that his victory in May could lead to an extension of President Rodrigo Duterte's divisive China policy.

Scientists Identify 224 New Species in Mekong Region: WWF

Scientists Identify 224 New Species in Mekong Region: WWF

By Sebastian Strangio
But the conservation group warned that many more will go extinct before they are even discovered, due to rapid habitat loss.
China’s Vaccine Diplomacy in Brunei: Boon or Bane?

China’s Vaccine Diplomacy in Brunei: Boon or Bane?

By Riyani Sidek and Nafisa Halim
If vaccine diplomacy is to pay off, it needs to be based on firm bilateral foundations.

Cambodian PM Calls on Myanmar Junta to Implement ASEAN Peace Plan

Cambodian PM Calls on Myanmar Junta to Implement ASEAN Peace Plan

By Sebastian Strangio
Cambodia says the junta's participation in ASEAN meetings is dependent on progress in implementing its peace plan. But how will it define progress?

World Bank Says Myanmar’s Economic Outlook is ‘Critically Weak’

World Bank Says Myanmar’s Economic Outlook is ‘Critically Weak’

By Sebastian Strangio
The Bank estimates that Myanmar's economy is 30 percent smaller than it would have been were it not for the coup and the COVID-19 pandemic.

Indonesia’s Capital is Sinking, Polluted and Now Moving

Indonesia’s Capital is Sinking, Polluted and Now Moving

By Edna Tarigan and Niniek Karmini
Jakarta is home to about 10 million people and three times that number in the greater metropolitan area. 
Thai Prime Minister Arrives in Saudi Arabia, Easing Diamond Heist Row

Thai Prime Minister Arrives in Saudi Arabia, Easing Diamond Heist Row

By Isabel Debre
The official visit by Thai Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha to Riyadh signals the nations are seeking to thaw ties, long chilled by 1989 Blue Diamond affair.

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