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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.
September 25, 2020
US Ambassador, Cambodian Defense Minister Meet Following China Sanctions
By Sebastian Strangio
General Tea Banh downplayed reports that Cambodia is planning to permit a Chinese military presence on its south coast.
September 25, 2020
Sabah Heads to the Polls for Snap State Election
By James Chin
In addition to the perennial question of regional autonomy, the result could play into the ongoing political turmoil in Kuala Lumpur.
September 25, 2020
US Bill Aims to End Aid to Philippines Military and Police
By Nick Aspinwall
The Philippine Human Rights Act would end American security assistance to Manila unless it commits to reforms.
September 25, 2020
Will Malaysia’s Anwar Ibrahim Finally Succeed?
By Sebastian Strangio
The opposition leader’s announcement that he commands the support necessary to form a new government has dissipated into a period of tense political speculation.
September 24, 2020
Southeast Asian Leaders Air Fears Over US-China Rivalry
By Sebastian Strangio
Joko Widodo and Rodrigo Duterte both used their inaugural U.N. speeches to express alarm at accelerating superpower tensions.
September 24, 2020
Social Reformers Challenge Malaysia’s Islamic Hardliners Over Headwear
By Luke Hunt
To wear or not to wear: The hijab is a matter of choice — and politics.
September 24, 2020
Myanmar Election Will Fail to Meet Proper Standards: UN
By Sebastian Strangio
As in 2015, more than a million Rohingya Muslims will be unable to cast a vote in the upcoming polls.
September 23, 2020
Facebook Shuts Down Fake China-Based Accounts Backing Duterte
By Sebastian Strangio
The accounts beamed out content supportive of the Philippine president and his daughter's possible presidential aspirations.
September 23, 2020
Malaysian Opposition Leader Anwar Plans New Government
By Associated Press
Anwar says he will reveal more details following a meeting with the king, but a cabinet member denies the government has fallen.
September 23, 2020
In UN Speech, Duterte Stiffens Philippines’ Stance on the South China Sea
By Sebastian Strangio
After four years of flip-flopping, the Philippine President voiced strong support for a Hague ruling rejecting most of China’s claims to disputed waters.
September 22, 2020
The Riddle of COVID-19 and Democracy in Southeast Asia
By Sebastian Strangio
How much should we read into the fact that the region’s most robust democracies have fared the worst from the coronavirus? Probably not a lot.
September 22, 2020
With New Arrest, Cambodia’s Permanent Crackdown Intensifies
By Sebastian Strangio
Amid the economic fallout from COVID-19, Hun Sen's government has succeeded in keeping a lid on rising public discontent—but for how much longer?
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