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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.
Myanmar Shadow Government Forms COVID-19 Task Force
By Sebastian Strangio
The National Unity Government hopes to capitalize on the junta's incompetent response to the current COVID-19 surge.
US, Philippines Set to Reinforce Threatened Defense Accord
By Sebastian Strangio
Both nations have a strong incentive to maintain the pact, but next year's election could complicate matters.
Thailand to Join COVAX, Acknowledging Low Vaccine Supply
By Chalida Ekvittayavechnukul
The country's slow vaccine rollout has heaped pressure on Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha's government.
Myanmar Hemorrhages Jobs Due to Coup Crisis, COVID-19
By Sebastian Strangio
The International Labor Organization reports “a continuous deterioration in labor market conditions since the military takeover.”
Myanmar’s Junta Tries – and Fails – to Appoint a New UN Ambassador
By Sebastian Strangio
But the military's takeover has trapped foreign governments between dueling moral and diplomatic imperatives.
Yunnan Sees COVID-19 Spike as Myanmar Slides Toward ‘Super-Spreader’ State
By Sebastian Strangio
The former head of the Myanmar's COVID-19 response says the country could be facing "up to 400,000" dead.
As Delta Variant Rages in Southeast Asia, Health Workers Warned Not to Speak Out
By Alifah Zainuddin
The pandemic has highlighted deep-rooted problems in health service. Medical workers voicing out their concerns have put governments on the defensive.
Indonesia’s Delicate Dance Between China and the US
By Muhammad Zulfikar Rakhmat and M. Habib Pashya
Southeast Asia's largest country should seek complementary improvements in its relations with the two major world powers.
Vietnam, US Reach Accord on Alleged Currency Manipulation
By Sebastian Strangio
Vietnam came under mounting U.S. pressure under the Trump administration over the alleged devaluation of its currency.
Myanmar’s Generals Are Struggling to Tell Their Story
By Luke Hunt
Big lie campaigns don’t come cheap, as a spin doctor takes his leave
Myanmar Plunges Into Deadly Third COVID-19 Wave
By Naw Theresa
COVID-19 vaccination efforts have become fatally entangled in the hostilities unleashed by the February coup.
Thai Police Forcefully Disperse Protesters Demanding PM’s Resignation
By Sebastian Strangio
Simmering anti-government sentiment has been compounded by Prayut's failures to contain the COVID-19 pandemic.