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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.
Chinese and Philippine Coast Guard Vessels Again Collide in Contested Waters
By Sebastian Strangio
The reported collision came as the maritime disputes dominated discussions at a regional summit in Australia.
What Do We Mean When We Talk About Southeast Asia’s Demographics ‘Crisis’?
By David Hutt
The nations of the region are all experiencing shrinking workforces and rising life expectancy – in some cases at the same time.
Thai Court Acquits Former PM Yingluck Shinawatra Over Government Funds
By Sebastian Strangio
Yingluck, who served as prime minister from 2011 to 2014, is benefiting from the reconciliation between the Pheu Thai Party and the country's conservative establishment.
Laos Faces a Delicate Balancing Act as ASEAN Leader
By Ratih Indraswari
How Vientiane approaches its obligations to ASEAN and its debt to China will be a key to the bloc’s fortunes in 2024.
Philippine FM Urges Regional Unity on South China Sea Disputes
By Rod McGuirk
Enrique Manalo's comments were delivered on the first day of the ASEAN-Australia Special Summit in Melbourne.
Communist Party Directive Takes Aim At ‘Hostile Forces’ in Vietnam
By Sebastian Strangio
Directive 24 calls on the Party to counter the influence of "hostile and reactionary forces" taking advantage of the country's increased openness to the outside world.
Myanmar’s Military Is Playing a Dangerous Game in Rakhine State
By Kyaw Lynn
The army's reported plan to conscript Rohingya civilians could worsen the region's already fragile ethnic relations.
Myanmar Military, Resistance Alliance Sign China-Brokered Agreement
By Sebastian Strangio
The two sides have promised to pull back forces from frontline positions and safeguard Chinese interests in northern Shan State.
Indonesia-Middle East Relations Set to Bloom Under Prabowo
By Muhammad Zulfikar Rakhmat
The former general, who spent time in voluntary exile in Jordan, is poised to build on the progress made by President Joko Widodo.
Thailand to Ban Recreational Marijuana Use By Year’s End, Minister Says
By Sebastian Strangio
The move comes less than two years after the Thai government became the first Southeast Asian country to legalize the cultivation and consumption of marijuana.
What to Expect From the ASEAN-Australia Special Summit
By Sebastian Strangio
The March 4-6 summit seeks to build on the progress that has taken place in ASEAN-Australia relations under Prime Minister Albanese's Labor government.
Indonesia’s Jokowi Confers Honorary Promotion On Likely Successor
By Sebastian Strangio
The promotion of Prabowo Subianto to the rank of four-star general has drawn further attention to his controversial military career under Suharto's New Order regime.