Blog
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.
Singapore Rebukes US Embassy Over LGBT Rights Event
By Sebastian Strangio
The statement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs carried echoes of the "Asian values" debate of the 1990s.
Ahead of Vietnam’s One-Party Elections, the State Punishes Online Calls for Democracy
By Tessa Weal
To secure its monopoly on power, the Communist Party bends the rules, bans the competition, and dominates the digital landscape.
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.
Thais Killed by Rocket in Israel Part of Large Workforce
By Grant Peck
Israel hosts the second largest numbers of overseas Thai workers after Taiwan.
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.