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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.
EU Imposes Sixth Round of Sanctions Against Military-Ruled Myanmar
By Sebastian Strangio
Among those listed are the junta's energy minister, and a number of private companies believed to be funneling arms, funds, and fuel to the military.
Thailand’s Prayut Says Parliament Will Be Dissolved in Early March
By Sebastian Strangio
The upcoming election, due to fall in early May, will see the Thai leader stand for election for the first time.
Land Before Water: Why Vietnam’s Grand Strategy is Fundamentally Continental
By Khang Vu
Despite limited past operations in littoral waters, the country's strategic attention has been overwhelmingly directed at land-based threats.
The Philippines’ Basic Education Crisis
By Mong Palatino
Out of the country's 327,000-odd school buildings, less than a third are in good condition, according to government figures.
Philippines, US in Talks for Joint Patrols in South China Sea: Official
By Sebastian Strangio
A spokesperson for the Philippine Coast Guard said it was a "certainty” that joint patrols would resume in the near future.
Prayut Closes the Gap in Preferred Choice for Thailand’s Next PM
By Sebastian Strangio
A new poll shows the Thai leader as the preferred candidate among respondents in the capital Bangkok.
Why is Myanmar’s Air Force Bombing Civilian Targets?
By Sribala Subramanian
The attacks are “terrifying” residents of border areas and neighboring countries.
The Cambodian Government’s ‘Recommendations’ For Journalists
By Luke Hunt
This month's closure of the independent news outlet Voice of Democracy serves as a warning for those who fail to toe the government line.
Thai PM Says He Has ‘Date in Mind’ For Dissolution of Parliament
By Sebastian Strangio
Dissolving parliament early would have some minor benefits for Prayut Chan-o-cha's United Thai Nation party, but is unlikely to significantly improve its chances.
Was Hun Sen’s Closure of Voice of Democracy Premeditated?
By David Hutt
It was conspicuous that one of Cambodia's last independent outlets was closed while King Norodom Sihamoni was away.
Sulu Sultanate Heirs Make Fresh Bid to Seize Petronas Assets
By Sebastian Strangio
Court bailiffs in Luxembourg have again issued seizure orders for two local units of the Malaysian state oil firm, as part of a contentious $15 billion arbitration dispute.
The Significance of a More Robust Philippines-Japan Strategic Partnership
By Don McLain Gill
The two nations are witnessing a strategic convergence based on shared threat perceptions of a rising and more assertive China.