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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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Imprisoned Vietnamese Journalist Recognized With Human Rights Award

Imprisoned Vietnamese Journalist Recognized With Human Rights Award

By Sebastian Strangio
The Martin Ennals Award committee hailed Pham Doan Trang as an "inspirational" example for activists in Vietnam.
UN Envoy Calls on Thailand to Step Up on Myanmar Crisis

UN Envoy Calls on Thailand to Step Up on Myanmar Crisis

By Sebastian Strangio
Noeleen Heyzer said that Thailand "has an important role in preventing further deterioration of the crisis in Myanmar."

Revisiting Thailand’s Involvement in the Cambodian Conflict

Revisiting Thailand’s Involvement in the Cambodian Conflict

By Tita Sanglee
The Cambodian leader's recent trip to Myanmar recalled the negotiations aimed at resolving his own country's conflict in the late 1980s.

Cambodia Resumes Treason Trial of Opposition Leader Kem Sokha

Cambodia Resumes Treason Trial of Opposition Leader Kem Sokha

By Sebastian Strangio
The resumption follows a nearly two-year break in proceedings, allegedly due to COVID-19.

Myanmar Crisis and Hun Sen’s Visit: ASEAN in Disarray?

Myanmar Crisis and Hun Sen’s Visit: ASEAN in Disarray?

By Delwar Hossain
Hun Sen was the first foreign leader to visit Myanmar since the military's overthrow of the country's democratically elected government.
Nusantara Gets the Nod as Indonesia Names Its New Capital City

Nusantara Gets the Nod as Indonesia Names Its New Capital City

By Luke Hunt
Construction of the new capital is to begin this year with an eye-watering budget of $35 billion.

Omicron Driving COVID-19 Wave to New Heights in the Philippines

Omicron Driving COVID-19 Wave to New Heights in the Philippines

By Sebastian Strangio
The government is aiming to fully vaccinate the country's adult population by the presidential election on May 9.
Evaluating Strategies to Address Online Radicalization in Singapore

Evaluating Strategies to Address Online Radicalization in Singapore

By Mohamed Bin Ali
The internet has developed into an easily accessible “open university” for hate speech and propaganda.

Philippines Election Body Dismisses Petition to Bar Marcos from Presidential Poll

Philippines Election Body Dismisses Petition to Bar Marcos from Presidential Poll

By Sebastian Strangio
Opponents of the Marcos clan have filed a number of petitions seeking to disqualify Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos from the May election.

‘No Progress’ on ASEAN Peace Plan for Myanmar: Singaporean PM

‘No Progress’ on ASEAN Peace Plan for Myanmar: Singaporean PM

By Sebastian Strangio
Four Southeast Asian nations have now expressed criticisms of Cambodia's unilateral crisis diplomacy on Myanmar.

Aung San Suu Kyi Hit With 5 New Corruption Charges

Aung San Suu Kyi Hit With 5 New Corruption Charges

By Sebastian Strangio
The 76-year-old leader now faces a barrage of more than 15 criminal charges, designed to consign her to an early – and forced – retirement.
Has the ASEAN Chair Become Too Powerful?

Has the ASEAN Chair Become Too Powerful?

By David Hutt
Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen's visit to Myanmar has highlighted deep flaws in the bloc's modus operandi.

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