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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.
Can Myanmar’s New ‘People’s Defense Force’ Succeed?
By Sebastian Strangio
The force is intended as a prelude to the eventual establishment of a Federal Union Army to battle the military junta.
Under Military Rule, Myanmar Has Retreated to the Keypad Phone Age
By Aika Sato
Given the protest movement's reliance on social media, the military junta has begun executing random smartphone spot checks.
Trio of Cambodian Youth Imprisoned for Environmental Activism
By Sebastian Strangio
In recent years, the environmental group Mother Nature has become a major irritant for Prime Minister Hun Sen's government.
Indonesia Deploys Forces to Troubled Papua Region
By Sebastian Strangio
The uneasy region seems set for another cycle of military crackdowns and separatist counter-attacks.
Medical Workers Targeted in Myanmar’s Post-Coup Crisis
By Brian Elmore
The country's political and economic troubles are being shadowed by a looming public health crisis.
Norway’s Telenor Writes Off its Myanmar Operation Amid Crisis
By Sebastian Strangio
The firm cited a "worsening of economic and business environment outlook and a deteriorating security and human rights situation."
COVID-19 Stages Another Comeback in Vietnam
By Sebastian Strangio
A recent spate of community transmissions is likely to delay the country's planned resumption of international tourism.
The Implications of the Worsening Security Situation in Papua
By Bilveer Singh
The recent killing of an Indonesian brigadier general heralds an intensification of the conflict in eastern Indonesia.
Kachin Insurgents Shoot Down Myanmar Military Helicopter
By Sebastian Strangio
The counterattack came after days of Myanmar military air strikes against Kachin Independence Army positions.
Philippines Protests ‘Blocking’ of Its Patrol Ships by China
By Jim Gomez
The Chinese Foreign Ministry has asked the Philippines to respect what it calls Chinese sovereignty in the disputed waters.
The Military Junta Has Driven Myanmar’s Journalists Back Underground
By Sebastian Strangio
While deploying violence in the streets, the generals have been unrelenting in their attacks on the country's journalists.
Singapore, Malaysia Approve Compassionate Cross-Border Travel
By Sebastian Strangio
The plan is a prelude to an eventual reopening of crossborder travel, but a full resumption will be some time off.