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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.
A New Era of Turbulence and Uncertainty in Vietnamese Politics
By Hai Hong Nguyen
The removal of a sitting Politburo member hints at more profound changes at the top echelons of the party-state.
Rohingya Refugees Are Departing for Southeast Asia in Increasing Numbers
By Rajeev Bhattacharyya
While some travel overland from Bangladesh to Thailand, others are embarking upon dangerous and often deadly ocean voyages.
Southeast Asia Prepares to Welcome Back Chinese Tourists
By Sebastian Strangio
Unlike the U.S., Japan, and many other nations, most Southeast Asian governments are choosing to impose no new restrictions on the expected influx of Chinese nationals.
On China, Can Marcos Succeed Where Duterte Failed?
By Sebastian Strangio
The new Philippine president is promising to shift relations to a “higher gear.” But his administration’s swift re-engagement with the U.S. is likely to pose problems.
Philippines’ Marcos Jr. Heads to China Amid Sea Disputes
By Associated Press
Alluding to the two countries' territorial dispute in the South China Sea, Marcos said he looks forward to discussing bilateral and regional political and security issues.
Vietnamese Communist Party Removes Former FM From Politburo
By Sebastian Strangio
Pham Binh Minh's removal came amid a crackdown on a wide-ranging corruption scandal involving COVID-19 repatriation flights.
Indonesia Approves First Phase of Key Offshore Gas Development
By Sebastian Strangio
Despite lying within the country's EEZ, the Tuna offshore oil and gas block lies within China's "nine-dash line" South China Sea claim.
ASEAN-EU Trade Deal is Still a Distant Dream
By Luke Hunt
Historic summit not helped by ASEAN disunity and its peculiarities.
Is Laos’ Prime Minister On His Way Out?
By David Hutt
Phankham Viphavanh, who took office in early 2021, may be on the way out -- hounded by scandal and a bad year for Laos’ economy.
Displaced from Myanmar: Can’t Go Back and Can’t Go Forward
By Evan Jones
Despite the sizeable numbers of refugees from Myanmar within Asia, the overall protection environment remains flimsy.
The Uneasy Road to an ASEAN-EU Digital Partnership
By Xirui Li
Creating a digital partnership with ASEAN is part of the EU’s 2021 Indo-Pacific Strategy. But that will face challenges, starting with human rights.
After 12 Years, Indonesia and Vietnam Agree on EEZ Boundaries
By Sebastian Strangio
The dispute had led to clashes over illegal fishing, and hamstrung the establishment of a united front against China's expansive claims in the South China Sea.