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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.
February 03, 2023
Thai Activists Push Opposition Party on Royal Defamation Law
By Sebastian Strangio
Activists from the monarchy reform group Thalu Wang have asked the Pheu Thai Party to abolish Section 112 if it wins this year's election.
February 03, 2023
Malaysian Anti-Graft Authorities Freeze Opposition Party Accounts
By Sebastian Strangio
The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission is investigating $70.7 million that was found in the accounts of the political party Bersatu.
February 03, 2023
The Long Political Afterlife of Megawati Sukarnoputri
By Johannes Nugroho
After battling years of political and sexist attacks, the 75-year-old is hoping to have a decisive impact at Indonesia's upcoming general election.
February 02, 2023
US, Philippines Agree to Larger American Military Presence
By Jim Gomez
The two sides have agreed to grant the U.S. armed forces access to four more bases under the 2014 Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement.
February 02, 2023
Indonesia to Send General on Special Mission to Myanmar, Jokowi Says
By Sebastian Strangio
In an interview this week, President Joko Widodo suggested that the unnamed general would highlight his own country's democratic transition since 1998.
February 02, 2023
Myanmar Military Extends State of Emergency For Third Time
By Sebastian Strangio
The six-month extension is likely to delay the "elections" that the coup government was planning to hold by August.
February 01, 2023
Austin in Philippines to Discuss Larger US Military Presence
By Jim Gomez
The U.S. defense chief is the latest senior official to visit the Philippines in a sign of warming ties after a strained period under Marcos's predecessor, Rodrigo Duterte.
February 01, 2023
Western Governments Announce New Myanmar Sanctions Ahead of Coup Anniversary
By Sebastian Strangio
The United States, United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia have targeted a range of military officials and enterprises that support the armed forces.
February 01, 2023
What Indonesia Can Learn From Cambodia Regarding the Myanmar Crisis
By Phanit Vun and Sokvy Rim
A resolution to the conflict is unlikely in 2023. Jakarta should therefore take a realistic and flexible approach.
January 31, 2023
Cambodia’s Turn to Raise Eyebrows Over Infrastructure Projects
By Luke Hunt
Up to $30 billion in financing is potentially on the table – most of it from China.
January 31, 2023
US to Secure Access to New Philippine Military Facilities: Report
By Sebastian Strangio
The move, which is expected to be announced this week, is the latest sign of the rapid advancement in bilateral relations under President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
January 31, 2023
There Is No Such Thing as ASEAN Neutrality
By David Hutt
Despite its claims to the contrary, the Southeast Asian bloc is intervening in Myanmar's crisis – just not effectively.
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