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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.
Thailand-US-China Relations Amid the 2022 Cobra Gold Drill
By Tita Sanglee
Thailand's 2014 coup led to the erosion of relations with the U.S., but the balance of power is tilting back in Washington's favor.
Illicit Drug Production Has Surged Since Myanmar’s Coup
By Sebastian Strangio
The chaos that has enveloped Myanmar since the military takeover has been a gift to the country's drug trafficking syndicates.
Thai Government Releases Exiled Lao Democracy Activist on Bail
By Sebastian Strangio
But Khoukham Keomanivong's arrest on the weekend was a sign of increasing risks facing foreign dissidents in Thailand.
Marking Myanmar Coup Anniversary, Western Governments Target Judiciary With Sanctions
By Sebastian Strangio
The coordinated move follows a series of recent convictions against ousted leader Aung San Suu Kyi.
Myanmar Junta Set to Pass Draconian Cyber Security Law
By Sebastian Strangio
Among the provisions is a ban on VPNs, which the population has used to circumvent state controls on social media networks like Facebook.
Rampant Logging Threatens Cambodia’s Indigenous Communities: Rights Group
By Sebastian Strangio
Since the 1990s, logging revenues have been an integral part of Cambodia's extractive political economy.
Indonesia-Israel Relations: Is a Breakthrough Imminent?
By Jefferson Ng
A normalization of relations between the two nations no longer looks impossible, though key obstacles remain.
Indonesia’s Economic Vision: Opportunities for Latin America
By Sebastián Sterzer
Indonesia's attempt at economic transformation offers opportunities, if Latin American countries are ready to seize them.
Philippines’ Marcos to Pursue Bilateral Deal With Beijing Over South China Sea
By Sebastian Strangio
The leading candidate's comments suggest that his victory in May could lead to an extension of President Rodrigo Duterte's divisive China policy.
Scientists Identify 224 New Species in Mekong Region: WWF
By Sebastian Strangio
But the conservation group warned that many more will go extinct before they are even discovered, due to rapid habitat loss.
China’s Vaccine Diplomacy in Brunei: Boon or Bane?
By Riyani Sidek and Nafisa Halim
If vaccine diplomacy is to pay off, it needs to be based on firm bilateral foundations.
Cambodian PM Calls on Myanmar Junta to Implement ASEAN Peace Plan
By Sebastian Strangio
Cambodia says the junta's participation in ASEAN meetings is dependent on progress in implementing its peace plan. But how will it define progress?