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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.
Provisional Results Give Cambodian Ruling Party Victory in Local Elections
By Sebastian Strangio
According to the National Election Committee, Prime Minister Hun Sen’s party won 9,338 out of the 11,622 commune council seats up for election.
Myanmar Junta to Carry out Death Sentences Against Activist, NLD Lawmaker
By Sebastian Strangio
The executions of democracy activist Ko Jimmy and former NLD lawmaker Phyo Zayar Thaw will likely be the first of many to come.
Timor-Leste Signs Four Cooperation Agreements With China
By Sebastian Strangio
But like many of its Southeast Asian neighbors, Dili will seek to maintain a judicious balance between dueling hegemons.
As Expected, Cambodia’s Ruling Party Claims ‘Sweeping’ Victory
By Luke Hunt
But what are the actual numbers?
What China Gets Wrong About Southeast Asia
By Arrizal Jaknanihan
Despite its economic centrality to the region, Beijing continues to elicit significant levels of mistrust.
Fuel Shortages Threatens Rural Crisis in Laos
By Sebastian Strangio
A candid report in a sedate state-run newspaper hints at the seriousness of the country’s economic problems.
Myanmar’s Total Displaced Population Tops 1 Million, Says UN
By Sebastian Strangio
According to the U.N.'s humanitarian agency, 694,000 people have been displaced by conflict since last year's coup.
English Football League to Probe Alleged Cambodian Ownership Connection
By Sebastian Strangio
A Radio Free Asia investigation into the naturalized Chinese tycoon Wang Yaohui reveals a lot about the nature of corruption in Cambodia – and at the global level.
India is the Key to Boosting Thailand’s Post-Pandemic Recovery
By Tita Sanglee
The country is already leading the recovery of the tourism industry, but there are many more areas of untapped potential.
New Delhi to Exclude Myanmar Junta From Upcoming India-ASEAN Meeting
By Sebastian Strangio
India has aligned its position with that of the Southeast Asian bloc, which has excluded the junta's representatives from high-level meetings.
What Does ASEAN Centrality Mean to China?
By Zhuoran Li
Beijing pays frequent lip service to the idea, but it also poses significant challenges to China’s Southeast Asian ambitions.
Myanmar Junta’s Reprisal Attacks Amount to War Crimes, Says Rights Group
By Sebastian Strangio
According to Amnesty International, more than 150,000 people have been displaced in Kayah and Kayin states since last year's coup.