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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.
On China’s Doorstep, Laos Plays a Careful Game of Balancing
By Kearrin Sims
China's influence is growing in Laos, but the country's foreign relations present a more complex picture.
Malaysia Pledges Action After US Trafficking Demotion
By Sebastian Strangio
In its latest trafficking report, the U.S. State Department dropped Malaysia to "Tier 3," its lowest ranking.
Malaysian PM Backtracks and Agrees to Convene Parliament
By Sebastian Strangio
The decisions follows a series of rare interventions by the king and the heads of the country's nine Malay royal houses.
Do Cambodia’s Human Rights Groups Ignore Ethnic Vietnamese?
By David Hutt
After decades of depredations, both real and imagined, Vietnam remains the main bogeyman of Cambodian nationalism.
Myanmar Junta Bars Foreign Telecom Executives From Exiting the Country
By Sebastian Strangio
The announcement followed reports that the Norwegian telecom operator Telenor was considering selling off its Myanmar operation.
US Imposes Fresh Sanctions on Myanmar’s Military Junta
By Sebastian Strangio
The announcement followed reports that security forces killed at least 25 people in central Myanmar.
Malaysia’s PM to Decide on Parliament Return as Pandemic Worsens
By Alifah Zainuddin
Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin barely survived the last sitting of parliament. Will he survive the next?
Philippine Military’s Worst Air Disaster Kills 50, Wounds 49
By Jim Gomez
The doomed Lockheed C-130 Hercules was one of two ex-U.S. Air Force aircraft recently handed over to the Philippines.
Thailand Reopens Resort Island to International Tourists
By Sebastian Strangio
The government hopes that the “Phuket sandbox” scheme will lead to the revival of Thailand's tourist industry.
Activists, Journalists Included in Myanmar Prisoner Release
By Grant Peck
The military gave no reason for the sudden release of prisoners, which included many detained since its February coup.
Mekong River Commission Calls for Improved Hydropower Data Sharing
By Sebastian Strangio
The past two years have seen water levels on the lower Mekong rise and full unpredictably.
Don’t Call Me Junta: Myanmar’s Military Government Warns Foreign Press
By Sebastian Strangio
The junta's warning is the likely prelude to further crackdowns and restrictions on the press.