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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.
Cambodia’s Leader Says Arrested Protesters Were Trying to Overthrow the Government
By Sopheng Cheang
The government has arrested an estimated 94 people for protesting an economic agreement with Vietnam and Laos.
Indonesia Arrests Fugitive Philippine Mayor Wanted Over Scam Operations
By Jim Gomez and Edna Tarigan
Alice Guo is the subject of a Senate investigation into her links to illegal gaming operations, human trafficking, and money laundering.
Indonesians Rejoice as Pope Francis Visits
By Aisyah Llewellyn
The Indonesian public have been taken with the pontiff since his arrival in the country, the first visit to Indonesia by a Pope in 35 years.
Pope Francis Must Talk About Sexual Abuse Allegations in Timor-Leste
By David Hutt
The deeply Catholic country is struggling to come to terms with historic cases of child rape by Catholic clergy.
Myanmar’s Border Trade With China and Thailand Has Collapsed
By Sebastian Strangio
Ethnic armed groups opposed to the military now control trade routes accounting for 91 percent of the country's overland trade with China.
Myanmar Announces Census as Prelude to Long-Delayed Election
By Sebastian Strangio
Due to the security situation, a comprehensive census, let alone a multiparty election, will remain a remote prospect for the foreseeable future.
Philippine Legislators Defer Approval of Vice President’s Budget
By Mong Palatino
After clashing with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., Sara Duterte is being subject to fresh scrutiny in the House of Representatives.
Thailand’s Foreign Policy Is Inherently Undervalued
By Tita Sanglee
In the discussions over Thailand's new cabinet, there has been a curious silence about foreign policy.
New Cabinet Finalized and Awaits King’s Approval, Thai PM Says
By Sebastian Strangio
The new cabinet line-up has not been officially announced, but is likely to feature a mix of continuity and change.
Philippine Officials Rescue 162 in Raid on Suspected Cyberscam Hub
By Sebastian Strangio
Several Southeast Asian governments have launched crackdowns on online fraud operations. Is an end to the region’s cyber-scam epidemic in sight?
Cambodia’s CLV-DTA Crackdown Shows Vietnam Is Still the Elephant in the Room
By David Whitehouse
Phnom Penh is acutely sensitive to any suggestion that the country is ceding land and sovereignty to its eastern neighbor.
Indonesia’s Africa Outreach: Principle or Pragmatism?
By Allan Dharma Saputra
The upcoming Indonesia-Africa Forum will serve as a litmus test for the viability of Indonesia’s Africa strategy.