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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.
COVID-19 Continues to Spread in Vietnam’s North
By Sebastian Strangio
Vietnam's outbreak highlights the fact that victories against the coronavirus are fragile and easily reversed.
Reports Expose Myanmar Junta’s Planned Internet Stranglehold
By Sebastian Strangio
Even if successful, the military's internet plans will deepen its political isolation and economic dysfunction.
Philippine President Imposes Cabinet Gag Order Over South China Sea
By Sebastian Strangio
The move follows strong condemnations from senior ministers, including an expletive laden tweet from Foreign Secretary Teodoro Locsin.
Duterte Threatens ‘All-Out Offensive’ After More Violence in Mindanao
By Nick Aspinwall
A recent spike in clashes is threatening a fragile peace between the Philippine government and Moro Muslims in Mindanao.
Report Says Myanmar Internet a ‘Virtual Battlefield’
By Elaine Kurtenbach
The Myanmar military is developing an "intranet" for inside the country that allows mobile access only to approved, or "whitelisted" applications.
With Coordinated Announcement, Western Nations Ramp up Myanmar Sanctions
By Sebastian Strangio
Secretary of State Antony Blinken said that the U.S. will “continue to promote accountability for those responsible for the coup."
Muslim-Majority Southeast Asian Nations Condemn Israeli Assaults on Gaza
By Sebastian Strangio
Malaysia, Indonesia, and Brunei condemned Israel's “inhumane, colonial, and apartheid” policy in the Occupied Territory.
Myanmar Seizes Western Town After Heated Battle with Civilian Militia
By Sebastian Strangio
The rise of the Chinland Defense Force reflects a trend of growing armed resistance to the military junta.
Can a United Opposition Defeat Duterte at the 2022 Philippine Elections?
By Mong Palatino
In attempting to bring together a scattered opposition, the recently launched 1Sambayan movement faces a host of challenges.
US Government Returns More Recovered 1MDB Funds to Malaysia
By Sebastian Strangio
The announcement came days after the Malaysian government filed 22 lawsuits seeking to recover more than $23 billion in 1MDB-linked assets.
Myanmar Will Free Japanese Journalist as Gesture to Tokyo
By Associated Press
State media announced that Kitazumi Yuki would be released "in view of the close ties and future relations between Myanmar and Japan."
In Papua Fighting, Indonesian Forces Claim Rebel Commander Killed
By Sebastian Strangio
The reports follows Indonesian government promises of a crackdown on separatist fighters in the eastern region.