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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.

How Much Risk Can Vietnam Run in the South China Sea?

How Much Risk Can Vietnam Run in the South China Sea?

By Khang Vu
If China lowers the threshold of what Vietnamese activities it deems acceptable, Vietnam will find it more difficult to maintain the balance between deferring and defying China.

Thai Activist Sentenced to Additional Prison Time For Defaming Monarchy

Thai Activist Sentenced to Additional Prison Time For Defaming Monarchy

By Sebastian Strangio
Arnon Nampa has now been sentenced to more than 18 years imprisonment in six lese-majeste cases.
Thailand Hosts ‘Informal Consultation’ on Myanmar Conflict

Thailand Hosts ‘Informal Consultation’ on Myanmar Conflict

By Sebastian Strangio
The meeting in Bangkok marks the beginning of a more conciliatory regional approach toward Myanmar's military administration.

Who’s Afraid of a ‘Cambodia Spring’?

Who’s Afraid of a ‘Cambodia Spring’?

By David Hutt
Despite the unexpected collapse of authoritarian edifices in Syria and Bangladesh, there is no guarantee of Cambodia following suit.

Philippine Congressional Committee Recommends Filing of Criminal Charges Against Duterte

Philippine Congressional Committee Recommends Filing of Criminal Charges Against Duterte

By Mong Palatino
The former president's "war on drugs" was marked by "abuse of power and institutional impunity," lawmakers say.

What’s Driving Taiwan’s Mass Protests?
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What’s Driving Taiwan’s Mass Protests?

US Repatriates 2 Malaysian Nationals From Guantanamo Bay

US Repatriates 2 Malaysian Nationals From Guantanamo Bay

By Sebastian Strangio
Mohammed Farik bin Amin and Mohammed Nazir bin Lep have pleaded guilty to involvement in the 2002 Bali bombings.

Myanmar Rebel Group Claims Recapture of Former Headquarters on Thai Border

Myanmar Rebel Group Claims Recapture of Former Headquarters on Thai Border

By Sebastian Strangio
The Karen National Union claims it has recaptured the Karen "capital" of Manerplaw, which it lost to the Myanmar military in 1995.
The Release of the ‘Bali Five’ Was a Masterclass in Foreign Diplomacy and Cooperation

The Release of the ‘Bali Five’ Was a Masterclass in Foreign Diplomacy and Cooperation

By Aisyah Llewellyn
In negotiating the return of the Australian drug convicts, Jakarta and Canberra have displayed tact and sensitivity.

Myanmar to Release Detained Thai Fishermen Next Month, Officials Say

Myanmar to Release Detained Thai Fishermen Next Month, Officials Say

By Sebastian Strangio
A Myanmar court has suspended their prison sentences, but the 27 Myanmar crewmembers detained with them have not been so lucky.

Thailand Confirms Details of ‘Informal’ Myanmar Meetings

Thailand Confirms Details of ‘Informal’ Myanmar Meetings

By Sebastian Strangio
Bangkok will this week host two separate consultations that will attempt to break the deadlock on Myanmar. Don't expect any dramatic progress.

Malaysia’s Anwar Appoints Former Thai PM as Advisor on ASEAN Affairs

Malaysia’s Anwar Appoints Former Thai PM as Advisor on ASEAN Affairs

By Sebastian Strangio
Thaksin Shinawatra, 75, is the first member of a “informal advisory group” that Malaysia intends to establish during its chairmanship of the Southeast Asian bloc.
India’s Arrests of Suspected Human Traffickers to Cambodia Show Cyber-slavery Begins at Home

India’s Arrests of Suspected Human Traffickers to Cambodia Show Cyber-slavery Begins at Home

By David Whitehouse
Cyber-scam compound operators in Cambodia are going to extraordinary lengths to create fake images of Indian police stations in order to obtain credit card numbers.

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