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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.
Group Notes ‘Dramatic Spike’ in Reprisals Against Opposition MPs in Southeast Asia
By Sebastian Strangio
ASEAN Parliamentarians for Human Rights says 2021 has been a "a dark year for human rights in Southeast Asia."
Cambodia Bans US Visits to Ream Naval Base After Sanctions
By Luke Hunt
Prime Minister Hun Sen says the naval base is “not a place for thieves or robbers.”
Cambodia’s Political Succession Could Get Messy
By David Hutt
Hun Sen made it official: he is positioning his eldest son as his successor. Is the CPP ready for a generational change?
Laos-China Railway Inaugurated Amid Mounting Debt Concerns
By Sebastian Strangio
The $5.9 billion railway, an impressive feat of Chinese engineering, is set to tie Laos ever closer to its northern neighbor.
Why the Fight for the Philippines Vice Presidency Matters
By Mong Palatino
Whoever wins the number two slot could end up playing a significant political role in the next administration.
Cambodian PM Backs His Son Hun Manet to Succeed Him
By Sebastian Strangio
Prime Minister Hun Sen's announcement offered the strongest signal of support for his 44-year-old son.
China Demanded Halt to Indonesian Drilling Near Natuna Islands: Report
By Sebastian Strangio
Chinese diplomats claimed that the rig was drilling for oil and gas in "Chinese territory."
Omicron Variant Threatens to Upend Southeast Asia’s COVID-19 Recovery
By Sebastian Strangio
After a challenging year, the region's governments have ample reason to take the emergence of the new strain seriously.
20 Years After 9/11, Al-Qaida Retains a Deadly Relevance in Malaysia
By J. Fernando and Jasminder Singh
Despite the network's apparent dormancy, Malaysian authorities can't afford to underestimate its potential threat.
Despite Variants, Singapore’s COVID-19 Strategy on Track
By David Rising and Annabelle Liang
Singapore was able to succeed in getting most of its population vaccinated by ensuring there were few barriers to getting the shot and increasing difficulties for the unvaccinated.
Is Mediation Even Possible in Myanmar?
By Naw Theresa
Mediation currently appears more fantasy than possibility as the crisis inches toward its one-year mark with both the NUG and SAC digging in for a long slugging match.
The Human Cost of Myanmar’s Coup Continues to Mount
By Sebastian Strangio
A new survey from UNDP reveals the impact of the coup on everyday life in Myanmar, and the desperate steps people are taking to survive.