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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.

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Malaysia Has Applied For BRICS Membership, Anwar Says

Malaysia Has Applied For BRICS Membership, Anwar Says

By Sebastian Strangio
In addition to economic benefits, Putrajaya hopes that membership will give Malaysia, and the Global South, a greater voice in international affairs.
Philippines Hit by Flooding and Oil Spill Disasters

Philippines Hit by Flooding and Oil Spill Disasters

By Mong Palatino
The pair of disasters have exposed the country's vulnerability and the weak infrastructure of its flood-prone cities.

Booming Indonesian Nickel Industry Faces Challenges Ahead

Booming Indonesian Nickel Industry Faces Challenges Ahead

By Nugroho Adi Sasongko
The world's largest nickel producer will have to manage its global trading strategies while addressing concerns over the environment at home.

Some Reasons Not to Panic About a Thai Demographic Collapse

Some Reasons Not to Panic About a Thai Demographic Collapse

By David Hutt
Thailand’s working-age population could decline by around a fifth by 2050, but things are not as grim as they look.

On Myanmar, ASEAN Continues to Lag Behind a Fast-Evolving Conflict

On Myanmar, ASEAN Continues to Lag Behind a Fast-Evolving Conflict

By Sebastian Strangio
The joint communique issued by ASEAN foreign ministers over the weekend shows an organization struggling to find a way forward on the conflict.
Philippines Resupplies Contested Shoal Under ‘Understanding’ With China

Philippines Resupplies Contested Shoal Under ‘Understanding’ With China

By Sebastian Strangio
Manila said that “no untoward incidents" took place during Saturday's mission to Second Thomas Shoal, but the two sides continue to trade public barbs.

In Myanmar, An Impossible Election Is in China’s Interests

In Myanmar, An Impossible Election Is in China’s Interests

By Luke Hunt
With the country's state of emergency due to expire at the end of the month, the junta is plotting its next move.
Vietnam Communist Party Chief’s Funeral Draws Thousands of Mourners, Including World Leaders

Vietnam Communist Party Chief’s Funeral Draws Thousands of Mourners, Including World Leaders

By Aniruddha Ghosal
Among those in attendance were the fourth-ranked leader in the Chinese Communist Party, a former Japanese prime minister, and top Cabinet officials from the U.S. and India.

Philippines Plans to Siphon Oil Cargo From Sunken Tanker to Avert ‘Environmental Catastrophe’

Philippines Plans to Siphon Oil Cargo From Sunken Tanker to Avert ‘Environmental Catastrophe’

By Jim Gomez
The tanker Terra Nova sank Thursday after midnight in Manila Bay with about 1.4 million liters (370,000 gallons) of industrial fuel oil stored in watertight tanks. 

Indonesian FM Criticizes Myanmar Junta Over ASEAN Peace Plan

Indonesian FM Criticizes Myanmar Junta Over ASEAN Peace Plan

By Sebastian Strangio
The Southeast Asian bloc continues to affirm its support for the Five-Point Consensus, but member states seem unsure how to encourage its implementation.

Who Cares If Malaysia and Thailand Join BRICS?

Who Cares If Malaysia and Thailand Join BRICS?

By David Hutt
As it expands, the grouping has become increasingly incapable of articulating a coherent political, security, or economic vision.
How a Poem Briefly Shook Myanmar’s Resistance Movement

How a Poem Briefly Shook Myanmar’s Resistance Movement

By Naw Theresa
“To…Ma Ma Nu Gyi,” an elegiac anti-war poem, has highlighted a divide among opponents of military rule.

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