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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.

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Kachin Armed Resistance Group Claims Gains in Northern Offensive

Kachin Armed Resistance Group Claims Gains in Northern Offensive

By Sebastian Strangio
While the Kachin Independence Army's goal is unclear, a major offensive could have significant impact on the trajectory of the country's conflict.
Dancing into Power: The Successful Rehabilitation of Indonesia’s Prabowo Subianto

Dancing into Power: The Successful Rehabilitation of Indonesia’s Prabowo Subianto

By Teuku Harza Mauludi and Pius Fozan
How did an ex-general with such a controversial past manage to scale the pinnacle of Indonesian politics?

A Papal Tour to Normalize Relations Between Vietnam and the Vatican

A Papal Tour to Normalize Relations Between Vietnam and the Vatican

By Luke Hunt
Both sides have promised not to interfere in each other’s internal affairs.

Malaysia’s Anwar Warns US That Constraining China Will ‘Accentuate’ Its Grievances

Malaysia’s Anwar Warns US That Constraining China Will ‘Accentuate’ Its Grievances

By Sebastian Strangio
The Malaysian leader said that U.S. leaders need to do more to see the world and the region from China's perspective.

Will Prabowo’s Win Increase the Military’s Influence In Indonesian Politics?

Will Prabowo’s Win Increase the Military’s Influence In Indonesian Politics?

By Nia Deliana and Moch Faisal Karim
The army's influence has been on the rise over the past decade. Will this continue under the ex-general's leadership?
Vietnam Designates Two Overseas Groups as ‘Terrorist’ Organizations

Vietnam Designates Two Overseas Groups as ‘Terrorist’ Organizations

By Sebastian Strangio
The two organizations advocate for the political and cultural rights of the Montagnard peoples of the Central Highlands, a highly sensitive issue for Hanoi.

Where Are Indonesia’s Women Leaders?

Where Are Indonesia’s Women Leaders?

By Sharyn Davies
With the election over, Indonesia gears up to celebrate women's day. It's a timely reminder of how far women in leadership have to go in the nation.
Vietnam and Australia Announce Long-Awaited Diplomatic Upgrade

Vietnam and Australia Announce Long-Awaited Diplomatic Upgrade

By Sebastian Strangio
The announcement of the two nations' Comprehensive Strategic Partnership followed the end of the ASEAN-Australia Special Summit yesterday.

What on Earth Do Indonesians Think About Democracy?

What on Earth Do Indonesians Think About Democracy?

By David Hutt
Making sense of a 2023 Pew survey that showed majority support for representative democracy, autocracy, and rule by the military.

How Will Chinese Investors Navigate Indonesia’s Post-election Risks?

How Will Chinese Investors Navigate Indonesia’s Post-election Risks?

By Ahmad Syarif
Chinese firms, which have established good relations with President Joko Widodo's cabinet, are quietly putting out feelers ahead of the changeover of administration.

10 Years After It Vanished, Will Malaysia Restart the Search for MH370?

10 Years After It Vanished, Will Malaysia Restart the Search for MH370?

By Eileen Ng
The Malaysian Airlines flight disappeared a decade ago and was never found. Here's what we know about one of aviation's biggest mysteries.
Singapore Says Swift Is Mine, Upsetting Its Neighbors

Singapore Says Swift Is Mine, Upsetting Its Neighbors

By Thanapat Pekanan
Taylor Swift is playing six concerts in Singapore. That’s causing discontent in other Southeast Asia nations, which missed out.

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