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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.
Indonesia to Host G20 Summit Next Year: What Will be on the Agenda?
By Noto Suoneto
Southeast Asia's largest nation has a chance to take the lead on issues of regional and global concern.
Malaysia to Phase Out China’s Sinovac Vaccine
By Sebastian Strangio
Will mounting evidence about the limited efficacy of Chinese-made vaccines spell the end for Beijing's vaccine diplomacy?
Thai AstraZeneca Vaccine Production Falls Short of Target
By Tassanee Vejpongsa
Siam Bioscience was awarded a license by AstraZeneca last year to be a regional production hub supplying eight other countries despite having no experience in manufacturing vaccines.
Indonesia Bracing for COVID-19 Outbreak to Worsen: Official
By Sebastian Strangio
There are alarming reports that the Delta variant has penetrated more remote regions of the archipelago.
Singapore’s Land Reclamation on Pedra Branca: Implications for Malaysia
By Wahab Jumrah
While the ICJ awarded Pedra Branca to Singapore in 2008, its planned land reclamation works could have far-reaching legal ramifications.
Indonesia Reports 54,000 Virus Cases, Becomes Asian Hotspot
By Edna Tarigan
Officials fear that the more highly transmissible Delta variant is now spreading from the islands of Java and Bali.
Myanmar Junta Imposes Fresh Charges on Aung San Suu Kyi
By Sebastian Strangio
The military is attempting to sideline the 76-year-old leader from Myanmar politics permanently.
China Tightens Border Controls as COVID-19 Surges in Myanmar
By Sebastian Strangio
Measures include the effective fortification of large parts of the border between the two countries.
6 Out of 10 ASEAN Leaders Listed in RSF’s Gallery of ‘Press Predators’
By Luke Hunt
In Myanmar, “terror is back” – and the same can be said for much of Asia.
Malaysia’s ‘Total Lockdown’ Failure Plunges Hospitals Into Crisis
By Alifah Zainuddin
A COVID-19 surge is overwhelming many of Malaysia’s intensive care units, as rivalries among politicians allow a disaster to unfold.
The Regional Absence in Mainland Southeast Asia’s COVID-19 Strategy
By David Hutt
Despite their local vaccination efforts, the nations of the region won't be safe until the entire region achieves herd immunity.
Key Questions Remain Unanswered in Killing of Cambodian Activist
By Sebastian Strangio
The 2016 killing of Dr. Kem Ley marked the beginning of a severe tightening of the political space.