Blog

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.

Page 127 of 534
Poll Shows Robredo Closing the Gap on Marcos in Philippines Presidential Race

Poll Shows Robredo Closing the Gap on Marcos in Philippines Presidential Race

By Sebastian Strangio
Despite a slight loss of support, Marcos still enjoys an apparently unassailable 32-point lead over his main rival.
Southeast Asia’s Leaders Are the Right Age

Southeast Asia’s Leaders Are the Right Age

By David Hutt
The region's recent history furnishes little evidence of a correlation between a leader's youthfulness and their political worldview.

Indonesia Jails Activist Lawyer Over Islamic Radicalism

Indonesia Jails Activist Lawyer Over Islamic Radicalism

By Associated Press
Munarman, a former human rights lawyer, was the general secretary of the now-banned Islamic Defenders Front.

Myanmar’s NUG Warns China Against Engagement with ‘Illegitimate’ Junta

Myanmar’s NUG Warns China Against Engagement with ‘Illegitimate’ Junta

By Sebastian Strangio
The comments followed Beijing's strongest signals of support for the military administration since last year's coup.

Myanmar’s Military Junta Tightens Control Over Foreign Currency Flows

Myanmar’s Military Junta Tightens Control Over Foreign Currency Flows

By Sebastian Strangio
Under new central bank rules, all local holders of foreign currency will have to convert them to Myanmar kyats.
Indonesian Public Opinion Ambivalent About Rising Geopolitical Tensions: Report

Indonesian Public Opinion Ambivalent About Rising Geopolitical Tensions: Report

By Sebastian Strangio
The Lowy Institute survey report, its first since 2011, found the public is more concerned with domestic than international challenges.

Myanmar Financial Holdings and U.S.-Singapore Contention

Myanmar Financial Holdings and U.S.-Singapore Contention

By Drake Tien
Given its financial ties to Myanmar, Singapore's cooperation is vital if the world is to choke off the military junta's revenue streams.
Airline Apologizes for Tweet Poking Fun at Thailand’s King

Airline Apologizes for Tweet Poking Fun at Thailand’s King

By Sebastian Strangio
An April Fool's tweet referenced the apparently volatile relationship between King Vajiralongkorn and his consort Sineenat Wongvajirapakdi.

China Pledges Support for Myanmar’s Junta, ‘No Matter How the Situation Changes’

China Pledges Support for Myanmar’s Junta, ‘No Matter How the Situation Changes’

By Sebastian Strangio
Foreign Minister Wang Yi's comments mark the strongest sign of support for the Myanmar military since last year's coup.

How Long Will Rodrigo Duterte Remain Neutral in the Philippine Election?

How Long Will Rodrigo Duterte Remain Neutral in the Philippine Election?

By Mong Palatino
So far the Philippine leader has refrained from anointing a successor. But he could just be waiting for the right moment.

UN, ASEAN Special Envoys on Myanmar Meet in Phnom Penh

UN, ASEAN Special Envoys on Myanmar Meet in Phnom Penh

By Sebastian Strangio
The talks highlighted just how many obstacles are strewn along the path toward a resolution to the country's crisis.
How Should Malaysia React to the Russia-Ukraine Conflict?

How Should Malaysia React to the Russia-Ukraine Conflict?

By Danny Teh Zi Yee
Three recommendations for how Kuala Lumpur should respond to the war in Europe.

Page 127 of 534