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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.
Indonesia To Improve Supervision of Commodities Sector, Official Says
By Sebastian Strangio
Jakarta plans to review the U.S. Department of Labor's claim of forced labor by Chinese majority-owned nickel mining and processing firms.
Just How Proactive is Thailand’s ‘Proactive Diplomacy’?
By Tita Sanglee
The past two administrations have pledged to play a more prominent role on the global stage. But words have yet to be met with actions.
Chinese FM Criticizes US Missile Deployment in the Philippines
By Sebastian Strangio
From its base in Luzon, the Typhon land-based missile system has the ability to strike targets in mainland China.
Myanmar Military Calls on Opponents to Enter Political Dialogue
By Sebastian Strangio
Few groups are likely to heed the SAC's call for them to “communicate with us to solve political problems politically.”
Malaysia’s Guantanamo Bay Connection
By Jasminder Singh
It is good that Kuala Lumpur is repatriating two prisoners from the U.S. penal facility, but it could face challenges once they return home.
Thailand’s King Endorses Marriage Equality Bill
By Sebastian Strangio
The law is set to take effect on January 22, 2025, when activists say they will hold a mass marriage of same-sex couples.
Indonesia Officially Lodges Application to Join Trans-Pacific Trade Pact
By Sebastian Strangio
Jakarta hopes that membership of the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership will help broaden the markets for its exports.
Japan To Downgrade Diplomatic Ties With Myanmar Junta, Report Says
By Sebastian Strangio
Like several of its Western partners, Japan will now be represented in Yangon by a chargé d'affaires rather than a full ambassador.
Myanmar is Not About to Become a ‘Fractured’ State
By Miemie Winn Byrd
Analysts overlook the novel political linkages between the country's resistance groups, and their determination to build a federal democracy.
Vietnam’s To Lam Set to Meet With President Biden
By Sebastian Strangio
During the communist party chief's five-day visit to New York, Vietnamese and U.S. firms have signed a number of economic agreements.
Singapore Opens Corruption Trial of Former Transport Minister
By Sebastian Strangio
In the largest graft trial in decades, S. Iswaran is accused of taking more than S$400,000 in gifts from two prominent business figures.
Rights Groups Condemn Myanmar Prisoner Executions, Warn More to Come
By Sebastian Strangio
Several sources are reporting that five pro-democracy activists will be hanged at Insein Prison in Yangon today.