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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.
Pariah Solidarity: Myanmar-Russia Relations Blossom Amid Western Sanctions
By Sebastian Strangio
The international reaction to the Myanmar coup and the Russian invasion of Ukraine has prompted a toxic convergence between the two nations.
Timor-Leste Denied Entry to ASEAN – For Now
By Luke Hunt
Dili has been told that membership could happen next year.
Indonesian FM Raises Trafficking Concerns During Cambodia Trip
By Sebastian Strangio
Retno Marsudi's talks with the Cambodian police chief came days after 62 trafficked Indonesian nationals were freed from an online scam operation in Sihanoukville.
Myanmar, Taiwan Head Agenda at ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting
By Sebastian Strangio
Cambodian Foreign Minister Prak Sokhonn said that the bloc had never been "confronted at the same time with so many perils for the region and the world at large."
Thai Opposition Seeks to Curtail PM Prayut’s Term in Office
By Sebastian Strangio
The Pheu Thai Party claims that the leader's time as the head of Thailand's junta should count toward his eight-year constitutional term limit.
Philippines Remains Aloof From French Court’s Sulu Ruling
By Sebastian Strangio
The ruling in favor of the heirs of the Sulu Sultanate has reopened the question of Manila's longstanding claim over the Malaysian state of Sabah.
Myanmar Junta Extends State of Emergency by Six Months
By Sebastian Strangio
In a nationally televised speech, coup leader Min Aung Hlaing blamed "terrorists" for delaying the country's return to normalcy.
Bangkok’s New Governor is Sending Shockwaves Through Thailand’s Political Landscape
By Pattharapong Rattanasevee
The landslide victory and energetic governing style of Chadchart Sittipunt have implications for politics at the national level.
Philippines Will Not Rejoin International Criminal Court, Marcos Says
By Sebastian Strangio
The announcement came after the Hague-based ICC sought to restart its investigation into former President Rodrigo Duterte's "war on drugs."
ASEAN Meetings Open Under Shadow of Myanmar, Ukraine Crises
By Sebastian Strangio
This week's meetings come amid a host of regional and global crises that are testing the effectiveness of the Southeast Asian bloc.
Blinken Bound for Southeast Asia and Africa Amid China Tensions
By Sebastian Strangio
The top U.S. diplomat will visit Cambodia and the Philippines en route to a three-nation tour of Africa.
Ramos, Ex-Philippine Leader Who Helped Oust Dictator, Dies
By Jim Gomez
The cigar-chomping president played an important role in the People Power revolution of 1986, before going on to serve as president from 1992 to 1998.