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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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Saffron Washing: The Myanmar Military’s Exploitation of Buddhism 

Saffron Washing: The Myanmar Military’s Exploitation of Buddhism 

By Showe Showe
Holding itself up as the sole defender of Burmese heritage, the military has long manipulated Buddhism for its political purposes.
Philippine Vice President Threatened With Impeachment Over Fund Misuse

Philippine Vice President Threatened With Impeachment Over Fund Misuse

By Mong Palatino
Sara Duterte’s refusal to answer queries from legislators over her office’s budget has some raising the prospect of an impeachment vote. 

The Sanctioning of Ly Yong Phat: Milestone or Mirage?

The Sanctioning of Ly Yong Phat: Milestone or Mirage?

By Jacob Sims
Will new U.S. sanctions on one of Cambodia’s most prominent state-affiliated kingpins signal a turning point for Cambodian state organized crime?

Death Toll Climbs to 199 in Vietnam as Typhoon’s Aftermath Brings Flash Floods and Landslides

Death Toll Climbs to 199 in Vietnam as Typhoon’s Aftermath Brings Flash Floods and Landslides

By Hau Dinh and David Rising
Following Typhoon Yagi, the flooding in Hanoi has been reportedly the worst in two decades.

Defund Indonesia’s Deadly Peat Fires

Defund Indonesia’s Deadly Peat Fires

By Refki Saputra
Massive financial flows from abroad have directly fueled the vast scale of peatland conversion and resulting fires in Indonesia. 
To Lam Signals No Honeymoon for Vietnamese Journalists and Dissidents

To Lam Signals No Honeymoon for Vietnamese Journalists and Dissidents

By Luke Hunt
Nguyen Vu Binh was jailed for seven years over a YouTube post, a simple signal that more of the same is to come under Lam’s tenure.

East Timorese Flock to Pope Francis’ Mass at Site of John Paul II’s Visit

East Timorese Flock to Pope Francis’ Mass at Site of John Paul II’s Visit

By Niniek Karmini and Nicole Winfield
Local officials say that 300,000 people, more than a fifth of the country's population, had registered to attend the Mass.
Myanmar Armed Group Seizes Naval Training Center in Rakhine State

Myanmar Armed Group Seizes Naval Training Center in Rakhine State

By Sebastian Strangio
The Maung Shwe Lay Navy Base is the first major Myanmar Navy facility to fall to resistance forces.

Philippine President Promises ‘No Special Treatment’ for Celebrity Preacher

Philippine President Promises ‘No Special Treatment’ for Celebrity Preacher

By Sebastian Strangio
Apollo Quiboloy, who is accused of a raft of charges including child sexual abuse, will face charges in the Philippines before extradition to the United States.

Cambodia’s Autocratic Regime Really Doesn’t Want You Criticizing It Overseas

Cambodia’s Autocratic Regime Really Doesn’t Want You Criticizing It Overseas

By David Hutt
In its attempt to woo Western governments, Prime Minister Hun Manet's government has sought to choke off critical commentary among overseas Cambodians.

Activists Criticize High Cost of Pope Francis’ Visit to Timor-Leste, One of the Poorest Nations

Activists Criticize High Cost of Pope Francis’ Visit to Timor-Leste, One of the Poorest Nations

By Niniek Karmini
With 42 percent of Timor-Leste’s population living below the poverty line, some question the $12 million price tag of the papal visit.
Indonesia’s Shifting Views on Marriage and Babies

Indonesia’s Shifting Views on Marriage and Babies

By I Dewa Gede Karma Wisana and Diahhadi Setyonaluri
Delayed marriages coupled with the growing aspiration of young people choosing to remain childfree may have a substantial impact on Indonesia's fertility rate.

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