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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.
US Diplomat Again Denies Consulate Missile Base Rumor
By Sebastian Strangio
Since it broke ground in 2020, the new U.S. consular complex in Chiang Mai has been the subject of widespread social media speculation.
How the Russia-Ukraine War Will Impact Philippines-Russia Relations
By Joshua Espeña
Despite steady improvements in defense ties, there isn't much at stake in the two countries' bilateral relations.
Singapore Announces Significant Relaxation of COVID-19 Protocols
By Sebastian Strangio
The city-state has finally done away with its strict outdoor mask mandate, as it takes a decisive step toward "living with" the virus.
Indonesia Prepping Strict New Rules for Online Platforms: Report
By Sebastian Strangio
The new rules would require digital platforms to respond to "urgent" requests for the removal of content within four hours.
Islam, Muslims, and the Secular State in Singapore
By Mohamed Bin Ali
The city-state offers a good example of how Islam can flourish in the context of a secular state.
Marcos Jr. Receives Electoral Endorsement From President Duterte’s Party
By Sebastian Strangio
The declaration by the president's faction of PDP-Laban will add further wind to the frontrunner's sails ahead of the May 9 election.
ASEAN Special Envoy Sees Minor Progress in Myanmar Mission
By Sopheng Cheang
During his visit, Prak Sokhonn met with senior junta leaders, ASEAN diplomats, and U.N. officials, as well as a prominent pro-democracy activist.
Observations From the First Round of Timor-Leste’s Presidential Election
By Li-Li Chen
The election is set for a second-round run off on April 19. But what did we learn from the first round of voting?
Russia-Ukraine War Threatens to Derail Indonesia’s G20 Chairmanship
By Sebastian Strangio
The attendance of Russian President Vladimir Putin at October's G20 summit would likely be met with a mass Western boycott.
Singapore Announces Establishment of Embassy in Tel Aviv
By Sebastian Strangio
The move comes 53 years after the two nations first established diplomatic relations.
Indonesia Lifts Quarantine Requirements for International Travelers
By Sebastian Strangio
In recent months, Southeast Asian nations have begun stripping away pandemic-era travel restrictions. But tourism recovery is likely to be slow.
Facebook Fails to Detect Hate Speech Against Rohingya, Report Claims
By Sebastian Strangio
A leading advocacy group claims that the platform's ability to detect Burmese-language hate speech "remains abysmally poor.”