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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.
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
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
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
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’
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?
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
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?
By Danny Teh Zi Yee
Three recommendations for how Kuala Lumpur should respond to the war in Europe.
Online Trade in Engandered Wildlife Booming in Myanmar Since Coup
By Sebastian Strangio
The World Wildlife Fund claims that illegal online transactions of endangered wildlife products rose 74 percent in 2021.
Indonesia Looks to the UAE for Military Cooperation
By Muhammad Zulfikar Rakhmat and Yeta Purnama
Despite their geographic distance, the two nations have increasingly complementary defense and security interests.
Peng Jiasheng, Myanmar’s ‘King of Kokang,’ Remembered With Lavish Funeral
By Sebastian Strangio
Upon his death in February, the former communist and drug trafficker received a flood of condolences from Myanmar, China, and beyond.
Singapore Executes Convicted Drug Trafficker After Two Year COVID-19 Hiatus
By Sebastian Strangio
The hanging of Abdul Kahar Othman has raised activists' concerns of an impending “surge in execution notices.”