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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.
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.”
Golden Triangle Gambling Zone the World’s ‘Worst’ SEZ, Group Says
By Sebastian Strangio
The Golden Triangle SEZ has been credibly accused of involvement in human trafficking, narcotics smuggling, and the trade in endangered wildlife products.
How Is Cambodia Navigating the Impacts of Russia’s Invasion of Ukraine?
By Chhengpor Aun
In the five weeks since the invasion, the country has pivoted from neutrality to condemnation of the Russian aggression.
Singapore’s PM Meets With President Biden on US Trip
By Sebastian Strangio
The two leaders pledged their commitment to a "rules-based order" that they said was under unprecedented attack.
Indonesia State Energy Firm Pertamina Mulls Purchases of Russian Oil
By Sebastian Strangio
The firm's CEO said that the firm should take advantage of the plummeting prices for Russian crude oil.