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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.
Philippines Admits Police Culpability in Deadly Drug War
By Nick Aspinwall
An international investigation of extrajudicial killings in the Philippine drug war remains unlikely, even after a stunning admission by the justice secretary.
The Final Victory of Nguyen Phu Trong
By Quynh Tran
How Vietnam's communist party chief earned a surprise third term at this year's National Congress.
ASEAN Readies Regional COVID-19 Vaccine Certificate
By Sebastian Strangio
The move is an important step in reviving intra-regional tourism and recovery from the coronavirus recession.
UN: 38 Died on Deadliest Day Yet for Myanmar Coup Opposition
By Associated Press
The escalation in the violence has led to increased diplomatic efforts to resolve the political crisis — but there appear few viable ways forward.
Facebook Removes Pages and Accounts Linked to Thailand’s Military
By Sebastian Strangio
The offending accounts targeted users in southern provinces that are home to a long-running Muslim separatist insurgency.
Do the Myanmar Junta’s New ‘Peace-Making Committees’ Stand Any Chance of Success?
By Joe Kumbun
Forging a sustainable nationwide peace was elusive before. It's even more difficult in the midst of the current crisis.
UNESCO Calls for Heritage Assessment for Lao Hydropower Dam
By Sebastian Strangio
The U.N.'s cultural agency fears that the project might endanger the World Heritage-listed town of Luang Prabang.
ASEAN Foreign Ministers Meet to Discuss Myanmar Crisis
By Sebastian Strangio
The results were predictably lackluster, but it's too early to write off ASEAN's efforts on Myanmar.
As Myanmar Crisis Grows, Dispute Breaks Out Over Country’s UN Seat
By Sebastian Strangio
The coup has given way to to a dispute over who should represent Myanmar at the United Nations.
Rohingya Risk Being Forgotten in Global Vaccination Drive
By Simon Tran Hudes and Kyra Jasper
The world should make extra efforts to ensure that vaccines are distributed to Rohingya refugee populations.
ASEAN Prepares to Convene First Meeting on Myanmar Crisis
By Sebastian Strangio
The Southeast Asian bloc is being asked to prove its diplomatic mettle in a fast-moving and increasingly volatile crisis.
Cambodian Court Sentences Opposition Leader to Heavy Prison Term
By Sebastian Strangio
Sam Rainsy and eight former CNRP officials have been accused of seeking to overthrow the Cambodian government in late 2019.