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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.
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.
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.
Domestic Violence Scandal Highlights Cambodian Government’s Hypocrisy
By David Hutt
A treatment of the self-claimed businessman Duong Chhay reveals once again that in Hun Sen's Cambodia, there is one set of rules for the powerful and another for everyone else.
Indonesian Military Chief Expresses Concern Over Myanmar Violence
By Sebastian Strangio
The comments from Hadi Tjahjanto came as ASEAN parliamentarians called for the bloc to take a tougher line on the military junta.
Myanmar Construction Magnate Claims Cash Payments to Suu Kyi
By Associated Press
The accusation is the junta's latest attempt to implicate Aung San Suu Kyi in corruption.
Youth Present New Challenges to Malaysia’s Old Politics
By Darryl Tan
Youth pose challenges to the country's aging political elite, but they are far from a monolithic bloc.
Myanmar Buddhist Association Signals Possible Break with Military Junta
By Sebastian Strangio
The opposition of the country's main Buddhist authority would undermine the military government's already shaky legitimacy.
Laos Grants 25-Year Power Grid Concession to Chinese-Majority Firm
By Sebastian Strangio
The deal will deepen China's involvement in the Lao government's goal of transforming itself into the "battery of Southeast Asia."
Thai PM Gets AstraZeneca Vaccine, 1 Asian Country Suspends Shots
By Patrick Quinn
Amid concerns over blood clots, some suspend their vaccine campaigns while others continue ahead.
Chinese State Media Hints at ‘More Drastic Action’ in Myanmar
By Sebastian Strangio
After Chinese factories were damaged during anti-coup protests, an editorial warned that “China won't allow its interests to be exposed to further aggression."
Thailand’s Military Personnel Challenge in the Spotlight with Slimming Plan
By Prashanth Parameswaran
The effort marks just the latest in a series of unsuccessful efforts to reduce the country's bloated and top-heavy officer corps.