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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.
Myanmar Junta Frees Hundreds Held for Anti-Coup Protests
By Associated Press
The releases came as activists declared a "silence strike," calling on people to remain indoors and for businesses to close.
Singapore, Malaysia Mull Cooperation on Vaccine Certifications
By Sebastian Strangio
Mutual recognition of the two nations' COVID-19 vaccine certificates could pave the way for a regional certification process.
Fire Devastates Large Swathe of Rohingya Refugee Camp
By Sebastian Strangio
The fire is a harrowing reminder of the vulnerable position of Rohingya refugees, as their country descends into political crisis.
A Beauty Pageant Stirs Southeast Asia’s Political Pot
By Luke Hunt
Miss Grand Cambodia has been rebuked for her "no politics" approach – and for eating while talking.
Should R2P Be Invoked in the Case of Myanmar?
By Sebastian Strangio
Comments by one of its main proponents suggests both the potential and the limitations of the doctrine.
Duterte’s Perilous China Gambit
By Rahul Mishra
The mass incursion of Chinese vessels into the Philippines' EEZ is a dramatic demonstration of the limits of the president's policy toward China.
Vietnam Hands Over $111 Million Parliament Building to Lao Government
By Sebastian Strangio
The building highlights Vietnam's desire to prevent Laos from spiraling off into China's orbit.
Western Governments Intensify Diplomatic Pressure on Myanmar Junta
By Sebastian Strangio
As Myanmar's junta digs in, the ultimate end goal of the growing international pressure remains unclear.
Indonesia, Malaysia Call for Urgent ASEAN Summit on Myanmar
By Sebastian Strangio
The call signifies an awareness among some ASEAN nations that the bloc needs to take the lead on efforts to resolve the Myanmar crisis.
Remembering 500 Years of Christianity in the Philippines
By Franz Jan Santos
Imported to the Philippine islands by Spanish imperialists, Catholicism has had complex and contradictory impacts on the nation's subsequent evolution.
Indonesian Muslim Body Clears AstraZeneca Use in Emergency
By Niniek Karmini
Indonesia aims to inoculate more than 181 million of its 270 million people by March 2022.
Myanmar’s Crisis Is Starting to Spill Beyond its Borders
By Sebastian Strangio
The country's political crisis is well on the way to becoming a crisis for the region as a whole.