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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 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.

Why Should I Mourn the Death of Nguyen Phu Trong?

Why Should I Mourn the Death of Nguyen Phu Trong?

By David Hutt
Absent in many eulogies for the late Communist Party chief was any recognition of the scores of government critics whose lives were ruined during his time in power.

Thailand’s Paetongtarn Shinawatra Sworn in as Prime Minister

Thailand’s Paetongtarn Shinawatra Sworn in as Prime Minister

By Sebastian Strangio
The biggest challenge facing the young leader is the perception that she will serve as a mere proxy for her father Thaksin Shinawatra.
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.

Political Rivals Trade Barbs Over Drug Issues in the Philippines

Political Rivals Trade Barbs Over Drug Issues in the Philippines

By Mong Palatino
An ICC investigation into former President Rodrigo Duterte's drug war has been drawn into the political struggle between the Duterte and Marcos clans.
Indonesia Strikes Gold in Paris

Indonesia Strikes Gold in Paris

By Sribala Subramanian
A focus on niche sports paid off for Jakarta at the 2024 Olympics.

Paetongtarn Shinawatra Selected as Thailand’s Next Prime Minister

Paetongtarn Shinawatra Selected as Thailand’s Next Prime Minister

By Sebastian Strangio
The 37-year-old will become the youngest PM in Thailand's history, and the third member of her family to lead the country.

Vietnamese Court Sentences Prominent Political Activist to Five Years Prison

Vietnamese Court Sentences Prominent Political Activist to Five Years Prison

By Sebastian Strangio
Nguyen Chi Tuyen, aka Anh Chi, has become the latest dissenter to be persecuted for criticizing the Communist Party online.

Chinese FM Meets Myanmar’s Junta Chief Amid Resistance Offensives

Chinese FM Meets Myanmar’s Junta Chief Amid Resistance Offensives

By Sebastian Strangio
China continues to work with the military junta, but ties between Beijing and Naypyidaw are fraying amid the ongoing conflict.
Myanmar’s Rebel Militias Redeploy Towards Mandalay

Myanmar’s Rebel Militias Redeploy Towards Mandalay

By Luke Hunt
Anti-regime forces aim to take the former royal capital by year's end.

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