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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.
Despite COVID-19, Indonesia-China Relations Continue to Develop
By Muhammad Zulfikar Rakhmat
Bilateral cooperation is slowly beginning to move beyond the economic realm that has long been its foundation.
Deadly COVID-19 Variant Migrates to Indonesia’s Outer Islands
By Sebastian Strangio
Just as cases are beginning to ease in densely populated Java and Bali, they are rising elsewhere.
Politics is Wrecking Malaysia’s Pandemic Response
By Alifah Zainuddin
The COVID-19 crisis offers a convenient pretext for Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin to hold on to power.
US Authorities Thwart Plot Against Outspoken Myanmar Envoy
By Sebastian Strangio
The revelation of a plot against Ambassador Kyaw Moe Tun will only deepen the junta's international opprobrium.
Revenge Porn Has Become a Political Weapon in Myanmar
By Amara Thiha
As Myanmar's crisis deepens, the country's women are bearing much of the burden.
Evidences Emerges of Junta ‘Massacre’ in Northwest Myanmar
By Sebastian Strangio
At least 40 people are alleged to have been killed by soldiers in a township that is a center of armed resistance to the military administration.
People Fleeing Hong Kong Crackdown Get Temporary US Haven
By Ben Fox
The measure allows Hong Kongers currently residing in the U.S. to live and work in the country for 18 months.
ASEAN Grants United Kingdom ‘Dialogue Partner’ Status
By Sebastian Strangio
The announcement represents a strong regional vote of support for London’s post-Brexit engagement with Asia.
Extending Their Call of Duty? Ex-Police Officers Running for Office in the Philippines
By Kevin Nielsen Agojo
Many former Philippine National Police officers have used their service as a springboard into elected office.
Can ASEAN’s Special Envoy Resolve the Crisis in Myanmar?
By Sebastian Strangio
Brunei’s Erywan Yusof faces an uphill struggle in bringing the country’s contending factions into a process of dialogue.
Controlling the Information Space: Big Tech and Free Speech in Southeast Asia
By Andreyka Natalegawa and Kyra Jasper
Southeast Asia's increasing restrictions on online speech have put U.S. social media companies in a challenging bind.
Coup Brings ‘Bad New Days’ to Myanmar’s Mining Communities
By Daniel Combs
Myanmar’s military and ethnic armies are waging a war for control over the country’s natural resources – and the enormous profits that come with them.