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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.
Russia is Gaining an Indo-Pacific Foothold Through Myanmar
By Mohamed Zeeshan
While the West continues to try to isolate and punish Russia for the war in Ukraine, elsewhere Moscow is widening its reach and influence.
Myanmar Junta Executes Four Political Prisoners, Courting Further Isolation
By Sebastian Strangio
The state-sanctioned killings have likely snuffed out any chance of the country's conflict being settled through peaceful negotiations.
Thai PM Survives Vote of Confidence, Setting Stage for 2023 Election
By Sebastian Strangio
Saturday's vote ensures that Prayut Chan-o-cha will serve out the remainder of his term as prime minister.
International Court of Justice Rejects Myanmar Claims, Will Hear Rohingya Genocide Case
By Mike Corder
The ICJ rejected the Myanmar government’s argument that Gambia had no standing to file the case.
Philippines’ Martial Law Era Remembered Under a New Marcos Presidency
By Jim Gomez
Activists are keen to push back against propaganda that has portrayed the late dictator's reign as a "golden era."
Myanmar Army’s Use of Landmines Amounts to War Crimes, Says Amnesty
By Sebastian Strangio
The rights group said that it had “received credible information” that the Myanmar military has laid landmines in at least 20 villages in Kayah State.
Why Vietnam Should be Worried About Laos’ Economic Crisis
By Khang Vu
The country's travails could deepen China's influence and destabilize the longstanding alliance between Hanoi and Vientiane.
US Adds Vietnam, Cambodia, Brunei to Human Trafficking Blacklist
By Sebastian Strangio
The State Department's 2022 Trafficking in Persons report gave five out of 11 Southeast Asian nations its lowest Tier 3 rating.
Qatari Telecoms Firm Ooredoo Negotiating Exit From Myanmar: Report
By Sebastian Strangio
News that the Doha-based company is seeking to offload its Myanmar unit follows the exit of Norway’s Telenor earlier this year.
Timor-Leste Hopes to Join ASEAN When Indonesia Chairs in 2023
By Achmad Ibrahim and Niniek Karmini
The nation officially applied for full membership of ASEAN in 2011, but the rest of the bloc has yet to make a final decision.
EU, ASEAN to Hold First Inter-Bloc Summit in December: Report
By Sebastian Strangio
According to EU diplomats cited by Reuters, the two blocs will hold their first full summit in Brussels in December.
Ample Opportunities to Level Up Australia-Vietnam Relations
By Huynh Tam Sang and Pham Do An
With the election of a new Australian government, the chance to elevate ties between Hanoi and Canberra to the level of a comprehensive strategic partnership is within reach.