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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.
The Social Costs of Chinese Transnational Crime in Sihanoukville
By Sokvy Rim
Unrestricted and unregulated development has allowed crime to flourish, and eroded the trust between Cambodians and Chinese expatriates.
Chinese FM Pledges ‘Closer’ Ties with Myanmar’s Military Government
By Sebastian Strangio
Wang Yi's visit to Myanmar for an LMC summit was the first stop on a five-nation tour of Southeast Asia.
Myanmar Apologizes After Jet Fighter Violated Thai Airspace
By Sebastian Strangio
The aircraft strayed into Thai airspace on the same day as a Thai military delegation traveled to Naypyidaw for border talks.
What the G-7 Infrastructure Initiative Can Offer Southeast Asia
By Fikry A. Rahman and Dr. Abdul Razak Ahmad
The Partnership for Global Infrastructure and Investment will find a receptive audience in the region, but the full scope of the new initiative remains unclear.
Jokowi Says Russia Agrees to Permit Vital Exports From Ukraine
By Sebastian Strangio
According to the Indonesian leader, Vladimir Putin has promised to open a sea route to allow exports of food and fertilizer from Ukraine.
Indonesia Shuts Down Bar Chain Following Blasphemy Controversy
By Sebastian Strangio
Blasphemy prosecutions have become more common over the past two decades, undermining Indonesia's reputation as a moderate Islamic state.
Dictator’s Son Marcos Jr. Takes Oath as Philippine President
By Jim Gomez
The inauguration of Ferdinand Marcos Jr. caps off a remarkable 36-year comeback for his controversial family.
ASEAN Special Envoy Begins Second Official Mission to Myanmar
By Sebastian Strangio
Prak Sokhonn's five-day visit will involve meetings with regime figures and members of select ethnic armed groups, but significant progress is unlikely.
Marcos Jr. is Steering the Philippines Towards a Foreign Policy Reset
By Richard Javad Heydarian
The president-elect has sent clear signals that he doesn’t want to be too dependent on the U.S. – nor wind up too cozy with China.
Philippine Authorities Order News Site Rappler to Shut Down
By Sebastian Strangio
The news site has published numerous exposes of the Duterte administration's "drug war" and other government abuses.
Report Reveals Inhumane Conditions in Malaysia’s Immigration Detention Centers
By Sebastian Strangio
The Indonesia-based Coalition of Sovereign Migrant Workers claims that 149 people have died in detention facilities over the past 18 months.
ASEAN Envoy Calls for Release of Aung San Suu Kyi from Solitary Confinement
By Sebastian Strangio
This week, Cambodian Foreign Minister Prak Sokhonn will begin his second official mission to the country as the bloc's special envoy.