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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.

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The Eighteenth Brumaire of To Lam

The Eighteenth Brumaire of To Lam

By David Hutt
The newly appointed Communist Party chief has the potential to become a dictator.
As Protests Rage, Indonesian Parliament Delays Controversial Election Law Changes

As Protests Rage, Indonesian Parliament Delays Controversial Election Law Changes

By Sebastian Strangio
Earlier this week, a legislative committee drafted changes to an election law that would have reversed two important Constitutional Court rulings.

Captured Myanmar Soldier: Army Joined Hands With ARSA Against Arakan Army Advance

Captured Myanmar Soldier: Army Joined Hands With ARSA Against Arakan Army Advance

By Rajeev Bhattacharyya
The military regime collaborated with the Rohingya terror group to defend Buthidaung against the Arakan Army, according to a captured Myanmar military major.

Protests Loom After Indonesian Parliament ‘Subverts’ Court’s Election Law Ruling

Protests Loom After Indonesian Parliament ‘Subverts’ Court’s Election Law Ruling

By Sebastian Strangio
Anger has erupted over lawmakers' bid to override two Constitutional Court rulings that could have a significant impact on regional elections later in the year.

Lao, Chinese Officials Detain 771 in Raid on Golden Triangle Gambling Hub

Lao, Chinese Officials Detain 771 in Raid on Golden Triangle Gambling Hub

By Sebastian Strangio
Vientiane has ordered all unauthorized "call centers" to vacate the Golden Triangle Special Economic Zone by August 25.
With China Visit, Vietnam’s To Lam Reinforces Bilateral Political Trust

With China Visit, Vietnam’s To Lam Reinforces Bilateral Political Trust

By Khang Vu
The new party chief's first overseas visit reflects the divergent positions that China and the United States occupy in Vietnam's foreign policy.

Philippines’ Marcos Pledges to ‘Expose’ Those Responsible for Fugitive Mayor’s Escape

Philippines’ Marcos Pledges to ‘Expose’ Those Responsible for Fugitive Mayor’s Escape

By Sebastian Strangio
Alice Guo, a disgraced small-town mayor under investigation for her links to Chinese organized crime groups, reportedly fled the country last month.
India, Malaysia Pledge to Deepen Economic and Security Ties

India, Malaysia Pledge to Deepen Economic and Security Ties

By Sebastian Strangio
Since Anwar Ibrahim took office in 2022, “there has been a new momentum and energy in our partnership," Indian PM Narendra Modi said yesterday.

The Significance of the Vietnamese Communist Party Chief’s Visit to China

The Significance of the Vietnamese Communist Party Chief’s Visit to China

By Hai Hong Nguyen
It is unsurprising that To Lam has chosen China as the destination of his first foreign visit as CPV general secretary.

China, Philippines Trade Accusations After Latest South China Sea Collision

China, Philippines Trade Accusations After Latest South China Sea Collision

By Sebastian Strangio
The clash suggests that Beijing's pressure campaign, previously focused on Second Thomas Shoal, is moving to other parts of the Spratly Islands.

At Least 20 Arrested in Cambodia for Protests Against Economic Pact

At Least 20 Arrested in Cambodia for Protests Against Economic Pact

By Sebastian Strangio
Protesters claim that the Cambodia-Laos-Vietnam (CLV) treaty has led the country to cede territory and control over natural resources to Vietnam.
Indonesia’s President Marks Independence Day in New Capital Nusantara

Indonesia’s President Marks Independence Day in New Capital Nusantara

By Achmad Ibrahim and Edna Tarigan
The construction of the new capital began in mid-2022 in East Kalimantan, and is expected to cost $33 billion.

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