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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.
ASEAN Leaders Condemn Armed Attack on Aid Convoy in Myanmar
By Jim Gomes and Edna Tarigan
Southeast Asian leaders said they were "deeply concerned with ongoing violence in Myanmar and urged the immediate cessation of all forms of violence."
How a Woman Fell To Her Death at an International Airport in Indonesia
By Aisyah Llewellyn
The incident raises questions about the competence of staff at Kualanamu International Airport in North Sumatra, which has pretensions of becoming a regional travel hub.
What Role Does Ideology Play in Vietnam’s Foreign Policy?
By Khang Vu
Communist ideology is an important factor in the making of Hanoi's foreign policy, but it is far from the only one.
Indonesia Rescues 20 From Traffickers in Myanmar
By Luke Hunt
Jakarta bans its migrant workers from Cambodia, Laos, and Myanmar.
20 Parties Register to Compete in Cambodia’s July Election
By Sebastian Strangio
However, nine parties' applications have yet to be approved, including the Candlelight Party, the only one with any chance of challenging Prime Minister Hun Sen's CPP.
Singapore, Indonesia Condemn Attack on ASEAN Convoy in Myanmar
By Sebastian Strangio
The humanitarian convoy, which came under fire in western Shan State, included officials from the two nations' embassies in Yangon.
ASEAN Leaders to Tackle Regional Crises at Tropical Resort
By Edna Tarigan and Andi Jatmiko
President Joko Widodo is hoping the laidback venue will encourage progress on an agenda rife with contentious issues.
Cambodia, Myanmar ‘Cyber-slaves’ Are Being Recruited Globally, Research Finds
By David Whitehouse
The global scope of the cyber-scam operations based in the two Southeast Asian countries is only now starting to becoming clear.
Vietnamese Government Protests Release of Australian Commemorative Coin
By Sebastian Strangio
The coin, issued by the Royal Australian Mint last month, shows the flag of the now-defunct South Vietnamese government.
Indonesia Says It Is Working Hard for a Myanmar Breakthrough
By Sebastian Strangio
In an interview late last week, Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi offered some hints about the country's approach to the conflict.
Indonesia Works to Rescue 20 Trafficking Victims in Myanmar
By Niniek Karmini
Fake recruiters allegedly offered the Indonesian victims high-paying jobs in Thailand but instead trafficked them to Myawaddy in Myanmar.
Rumors of Opposition Dissolution Swirl Ahead of Thai Election
By Sebastian Strangio
With two opposition parties leading in pre-election polls, the country's conservative establishment is reportedly considering drastic measures to keep them out of power.