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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.
Vietnamese Billionaire Tycoon Found Guilty of Defrauding Stockholders
By David Rising and Hau Dinh
Trinh Van Quyet, the founder and chairman of the FLC Group, was sentenced to 21 years in prison for defrauding investors of around $144 million.
Vietnam Coast Guard Vessel Arrives in Philippines for Joint Exercise
By Sebastian Strangio
The two nations are strengthening their maritime cooperation against a backdrop of Chinese assertiveness in the South China Sea.
Cambodia Breaks Ground on China-Funded Canal and Says It Will Be Built ‘No Matter the Cost’
By Sopheng Cheang and Aniruddha Ghosal
The $1.7 billion Funan Techo canal is planned to connect the country’s capital with Cambodia’s south coast, giving it access to the Gulf of Thailand.
Gunmen Kill New Zealand Helicopter Pilot in Another Attack in Indonesia’s Restive Papua Region
By Alfian Kartono and Niniek Karmini
The gunmen then released the Indigenous Papuan passengers and set fire to the plane.
Myanmar Resistance Group Claims It Has ‘Fully Captured’ Key Military HQ
By Sebastian Strangio
The Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army has released images of its forces inside the headquarters of the Northeast Regional Command in Lashio.
Vietnam’s President Confirmed as New Communist Party Chief
By Sebastian Strangio
While his accession marks the beginning of a new era in Vietnamese politics, To Lam is unlikely to enact major changes to the country's domestic or foreign policy.
Indonesia to Pursue Closer Relations With Russia, President-Elect Says
By Sebastian Strangio
The president-elect's visit to Russia is a sign that Prabowo Subianto's administration will remain staunchly committed to the country's non-aligned foreign policy.
Cutting Losses: Southeast Asia’s Crackdown on Online Gambling
By Amelie De Leon
Governments are slowly waking up to the risks posed by the sector's connection to criminal operations including large-scale cyber-scams.
Myanmar Junta Extends Post-Coup State of Emergency for Sixth Time
By Sebastian Strangio
Despite the deteriorating security situation, junta chief Min Aung Hlaing remains committed to holding elections at some point next year.
Tension and Teamwork: The Dual Dynamics of Thailand-Vietnam Relations
By Tita Sanglee
Thai commentators fear that fast-growing Vietnam could steal their nation's economic crown, but in most respects bilateral relations are in a better state than ever before.
Hit Netflix Series Offers an Authentic Depiction of Life in Indonesia
By Aisyah Llewellyn
Despite its sci-fi spin, the Indonesian series “Nightmares and Daydreams” offers acute social commentary on a number of issues facing the country.
Vietnamese Prime Minister Arrives in India For Three-day Visit
By Sebastian Strangio
The two nations have strengthened their economic and defense ties considerably since the establishment of their comprehensive strategic partnership in 2016.