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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.
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.
European Parliament Turns up the Heat on Cambodia’s Hun Sen
By Sebastian Strangio
The strongly-worded resolution is unlikely to induce any change of heart on the part of Cambodia's corrupt and self-focused elites.
Attacks on Chinese-run Factories in Myanmar Vex Beijing
By Sam McNeil and Fu Ting
The attacks on Myanmar's garment factories have injected an extra complication into an already very complex situation.
Black Sunday in Myanmar: Dozens Killed as Martial Law Declared
By Sebastian Strangio
The day saw at least 39 people killed by security forces, as Chinese-financed factories came under attack.
From COVID-19 to the Coup, Myanmar’s Doctors Are Risking Their Lives
By Adam Lalley
Politically active medical professionals are managing to balance their activism with their commitment to the Hippocratic Oath.
Malaysia Under Fire for COVID-19 ‘Fake News’ Ordinance
By Sebastian Strangio
For Malaysia's media, the new rules are set to make an already restrictive situation worse.
Myanmar Expands Crackdown on Journalists
By Associated Press
As a court extends the detention of an AP journalist, a Polish journalist was reportedly beaten and detained.
Philippine Mayor Among 6 Killed in Police Shootout
By Nick Aspinwall
The killing of Calbayog City Mayor Ronald Aquino is just one of several recent deadly shootouts involving the Philippine National Police.
Thailand to Boost Prison Capacity Amid Political Crackdown
By Sebastian Strangio
The announcement follows the arrest of nearly 400 people in connection to the ongoing pro-democracy protest movement.