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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.
Vietnam, Israel Conclude Negotiations for Free Trade Pact
By Sebastian Strangio
The agreement, which will be signed later this year, coincides with the 30th anniversary of relations between the two countries.
Defamation Trial Against Indonesian Activists Opens in Jakarta
By Sebastian Strangio
Haris Azhar and Fatia Maulidiyanti are on trial for defaming the powerful minister Luhut Pandjaitan by accusing him of conflicts of interest in relation to a Papuan mining operation.
A Maturing Pragmatism in Indonesia-Singapore Relations
By Mustafa Izzuddin
Despite the twists and turns in their nations' ties, Joko Widodo and Lee Hsien Loong will leave things much better than they found them.
Philippine, US Reveal Sites of Four Additional EDCA Facilities
By Sebastian Strangio
The U.S. military will be granted access to three additional military facilities in the northern Philippines, and one on the island of Palawan in the South China Sea.
Malaysian Parliament Votes to End Mandatory Death Sentence
By Sebastian Strangio
While the government has stopped short of full abolition, the decision could save the lives of some of the 1,300 people currently on death row.
Cambodian PM Tells Foreign Countries to Choose
By Luke Hunt
Have Western embassies been told to consider closing?
Malaysian Court Refuses Former PM’s Bid For 1MDB Verdict Review
By Sebastian Strangio
The Federal Court rejected Prime Minister Najib Razak's request, with a judge describing him as "the author of his own misfortunes."
What the Dissolution of the NLD Means For Myanmar’s Conflict
By Sebastian Strangio
Aside from further embittering the population toward the military junta, the disbanding of the former ruling party is unlikely to have much impact on Myanmar's downward trajectory.
Mining, Oil Spill, Military Bases Threaten Philippine Islands
By Mong Palatino
News about anti-mining protests and a massive oil spill reflects the rising concern about the rapid destruction of island ecosystems across the Philippines.
Myanmar’s Resilient Revolution
By Gerard McCarthy
Non-state welfare is playing a crucial role in sustaining the country’s democratic struggle.
Members of Exiled Chinese Church Detained in Thailand
By Tian Macleod Ji and David Rising
Members of the Shenzhen Holy Reformed Church, also called the Mayflower Church, came to Thailand in 2022 seeking asylum.
How Do You Solve A Problem Like Hambali?
By Aisyah Llewellyn
More than 20 years after the Bali bombings in which he allegedly played a central role, nobody quite knows what to do with a man once seen as Southeast Asia's most wanted terrorist.