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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.
Putin Visit on the Agenda After Invitation From Vietnam Party Chief
By Sebastian Strangio
Over the past two years, Hanoi has hosted the leaders of five of its seven "comprehensive strategic partners." Russia's leader could be next.
Singapore Adds New Corruption Charges to Case Against Former Minister
By Sebastian Strangio
Ex-Transport Minister S. Iswaran has been charged with obtaining $14,000 in kickbacks, including golf clubs and expensive whisky.
Why the Rohingya Are Being Treated the Way They Are
By Nasreen Chowdhory
Leading precarious lives in camps in Bangladesh and India, stateless Rohingya face an uncertain future.
Thailand Sends First Aid Shipment to Myanmar Along Controversial Humanitarian Corridor
By Sebastian Strangio
Critics say that the military junta's involvement in the aid program will prevent the assistance from reaching many of those most in need.
Indonesia Arrests 13 Soldiers in Investigation of Papua Torture Video
By Sebastian Strangio
The armed forces were forced to issue a rare apology after a video showing soldiers torturing a Papuan separatist fighter was posted online.
Myanmar Junta Begins Summoning Civilians for Military Service
By Sebastian Strangio
The conscription drive has prompted the assassination and resignation of junta administrators, and the flight of thousands of prospective draftees.
China Coast Guard Again Damages Philippine Boat Near Disputed Shoal
By Sebastian Strangio
The incident took place during the regular resupply of the Philippine outpost on Second Thomas Shoal in the Spratly Islands.
Myanmar and the Voices of a Revolution
By Luke Hunt
The Myanmar junta's conscription drive has backfired, bolstering the rebels' ranks.
Ex-Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte Leads ‘Prayer Rallies’ Against Charter Change
By Mong Palatino
As mid-term elections approach, the rift between the Duterte and Marcos clans continues to widen.
Thailand’s PM Misses the Forest for the Trees on the Country’s Pollution Problem
By Mark S. Cogan
Srettha Thavisin has pledged to tackle Thailand's horrific air pollution problem, but he needs to address the root of the problem.
Indonesia Rescues Dozens of Rohingya Refugees From Capsized Boat
By Sebastian Strangio
The rescue off the coast of Aceh underscores the extreme dangers that many refugees are exposing themselves to in order to find sanctuary abroad.
Vietnam’s Parliament Accepts President’s Resignation, Successor Remains Unclear
By Sebastian Strangio
Vo Van Thuong resignation comes barely a year after his appointment to the largely ceremonial post.