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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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Campaigners Urge Clemency Ahead of Singapore Drug Executions

Campaigners Urge Clemency Ahead of Singapore Drug Executions

By Sebastian Strangio
Kalwant Singh and Norasharee bin Gous are scheduled to be executed tomorrow, part of a "new wave” of hangings in the city-state.
Russian Foreign Minister to Visit Vietnam Ahead of G-20

Russian Foreign Minister to Visit Vietnam Ahead of G-20

By Sebastian Strangio
Sergei Lavrov's visit to Hanoi is likely to court tensions with the Western nations most opposed to the Russian war of aggression in Ukraine.

The Social Costs of Chinese Transnational Crime in Sihanoukville

The Social Costs of Chinese Transnational Crime in Sihanoukville

By Sokvy Rim
Unrestricted and unregulated development has allowed crime to flourish, and eroded the trust between Cambodians and Chinese expatriates.

Chinese FM Pledges ‘Closer’ Ties with Myanmar’s Military Government

Chinese FM Pledges ‘Closer’ Ties with Myanmar’s Military Government

By Sebastian Strangio
Wang Yi's visit to Myanmar for an LMC summit was the first stop on a five-nation tour of Southeast Asia.

Myanmar Apologizes After Jet Fighter Violated Thai Airspace

Myanmar Apologizes After Jet Fighter Violated Thai Airspace

By Sebastian Strangio
The aircraft strayed into Thai airspace on the same day as a Thai military delegation traveled to Naypyidaw for border talks.
What the G-7 Infrastructure Initiative Can Offer Southeast Asia

What the G-7 Infrastructure Initiative Can Offer Southeast Asia

By Fikry A. Rahman and Dr. Abdul Razak Ahmad
The Partnership for Global Infrastructure and Investment will find a receptive audience in the region, but the full scope of the new initiative remains unclear.

Jokowi Says Russia Agrees to Permit Vital Exports From Ukraine

Jokowi Says Russia Agrees to Permit Vital Exports From Ukraine

By Sebastian Strangio
According to the Indonesian leader, Vladimir Putin has promised to open a sea route to allow exports of food and fertilizer from Ukraine.
Indonesia Shuts Down Bar Chain Following Blasphemy Controversy

Indonesia Shuts Down Bar Chain Following Blasphemy Controversy

By Sebastian Strangio
Blasphemy prosecutions have become more common over the past two decades, undermining Indonesia's reputation as a moderate Islamic state.

Dictator’s Son Marcos Jr. Takes Oath as Philippine President

Dictator’s Son Marcos Jr. Takes Oath as Philippine President

By Jim Gomez
The inauguration of Ferdinand Marcos Jr. caps off a remarkable 36-year comeback for his controversial family.

ASEAN Special Envoy Begins Second Official Mission to Myanmar

ASEAN Special Envoy Begins Second Official Mission to Myanmar

By Sebastian Strangio
Prak Sokhonn's five-day visit will involve meetings with regime figures and members of select ethnic armed groups, but significant progress is unlikely.

Marcos Jr. is Steering the Philippines Towards a Foreign Policy Reset

Marcos Jr. is Steering the Philippines Towards a Foreign Policy Reset

By Richard Javad Heydarian
The president-elect has sent clear signals that he doesn’t want to be too dependent on the U.S. – nor wind up too cozy with China.
Philippine Authorities Order News Site Rappler to Shut Down

Philippine Authorities Order News Site Rappler to Shut Down

By Sebastian Strangio
The news site has published numerous exposes of the Duterte administration's "drug war" and other government abuses.

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