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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.
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.
Malaysian Cartoonist in the Crosshairs of Increasingly Repressive Government
By Sebastian Strangio
Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin has used the coronavirus pandemic as a pretext to arm himself with emergency powers and silence dissenting voices.
Duterte Hedges as China Challenges in the South China Sea
By Nick Aspinwall
Manila asserted its right to conduct military drills in the South China Sea, but President Duterte continues to approach the issue with caution.
Thai Court Denies Bail for Hunger Striking Protest Leaders
By Sebastian Strangio
The move came as Prime Minister Prayut assumed sweeping new powers to fight the current outbreak of COVID-19.
Myanmar Ethnic Rebel Coalition to Begin Unity Talks: Report
By Sebastian Strangio
Signatories to the Nationwide Ceasefire Agreement are looking to build an "all-inclusive" ethnic minority front against the junta.
Thailand’s COVID-19 Cases Skyrocket, Eroding Support for Prayut Government
By Tita Sanglee
After containing COVID-19 for most of 2020, the Thai government is coming under increasing pressure for its slow response to the latest outbreak.
ASEAN’s Next Steps for Ending the Myanmar Crisis
By Muhammad Waffaa Kharisma
ASEAN's special envoy to Myanmar has the potential to push the warring parties onto the path of peaceful dialogue.
Cambodia Opposition Leader Charged Over COVID-19 Lockdown Comments
By Sebastian Strangio
The charge against Sam Rainsy comes amid controversy over the severity of the lockdown around the capital Phnom Penh.