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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.
Vietnam Announces Cuts to Tariffs on US Goods as Trump Trade Announcement Looms
By Sebastian Strangio
Vietnamese policymakers are hoping to preempt U.S. concerns about its lopsided trade surplus with the United States.
Thailand’s PM Survives Parliamentary Vote of No-confidence
By Sebastian Strangio
The opposition People's Party has accused Paetongtarn Shinawatra of being under the undue influence of her father, ex-PM Thaksin Shinawatra.
The Globalization of Philippine Political Trolling
By Manuel Enverga III
Methods of online manipulation pioneered during Rodrigo Duterte’s presidency are now being deployed to shape global perceptions of his upcoming trial at the ICC.
Vietnam Island Building in South China Sea Continuing At ‘Breakneck Pace’
By Sebastian Strangio
The Asia Maritime Transparency Initiative estimates that Hanoi has created 641 new acres of land in the disputed Spratly Islands since June.
French Diplomacy Lies Behind Delay in Cambodia Grenade Attack Trial
By David Whitehouse
Two Cambodian generals are on trial in absentia for the bloody 1997 attack, which left at least 16 people dead.
Myanmar Junta Chief to Attend Regional Summit in Bangkok: Report
By Sebastian Strangio
The trip to Thailand for the 6th BIMSTEC Summit would be Senior Gen. Min Aung Hlaing's first to an ASEAN member state since 2021.
Can Philippine President Marcos Survive the Wrath of the Dutertes?
By Mong Palatino
The economy may pose a more serious threat than the fulminations of the Mindanao-based political clan.
US Defense Chief to Visit Philippines Ahead of Joint Military Drills
By Sebastian Strangio
Manila seems set to remain a priority partner for Washington, despite the Trump administration's radical foreign policy changes.
Philippine Govt Condemns Senator For Saying He Won’t Surrender to ICC
By Sebastian Strangio
As chief of the Philippine National Police, Ronald "Bato" Dela Rosa implemented ex-President Rodrigo Duterte's deadly "war on drugs."
Indonesian Parliament Passes Law Expanding Military’s Role in Government
By Sebastian Strangio
Civil society groups say that the changes are a throwback to the repressive New Order period, when the military dominated civilian affairs.
Philippines Wants to Expand ‘Squad’ Grouping to Include India, South Korea
By Sebastian Strangio
The informal grouping, established last May, is intended to counter China's assertive behavior in the South China Sea.
Indonesia’s Foreign Policy Under Prabowo: Still Free But More Active?
By Lucas Myers
President Prabowo’s foreign policy thus far paints a picture of continuity – but there are a few longer-term issues to watch regarding China and ASEAN.
Ethiopian Tech Workers Are Trapped in Myanmar’s Scam Centers
By Sribala Subramanian
The country is the primary recruiting hub for trafficked scam workers in Africa.
Indonesian Finance Minister Denies Resignation Rumors After Market Plunge
By Sebastian Strangio
The Jakarta Stock Exchange Composite Index plunged more than 7 percent, forcing it to suspend trading for the first time since 2020.
Cambodia’s Hun Sen, Myanmar Junta Celebrate Closure of US-Funded Media Outlets
By Sebastian Strangio
The U.S.-funded broadcasters Radio Free Asia and Voice of America have long been a thorn in the side of the region's repressive governments.
Cambodia Willing to Use Force to Defend Sovereignty Over Temple, PM Says
By Sebastian Strangio
The disagreement bears a close similarity to the dispute over Preah Vihear temple, which led to armed clashes during 2008-2011.
Tensions Rising in the Philippines After Former President Duterte’s ICC Arrest
By Ben Sturt
The ex-leader may finally face justice for his bloody “war on drugs”, but the country he leaves behind is increasingly divided.
What Southeast Asian Countries Can Learn from Vietnam’s History of Negotiating Territorial Disputes with China
By Khang Vu
The involvement of an extra-regional great power in a small power’s territorial disputes with China may prove counterproductive.
Former Philippine President Duterte Appears at First ICC Hearing Since Extradition
By Sebastian Strangio
The ex-leader's defense attorney told the court that his arrest on March 11 was tantamount to an "abduction."
Trying to Understand the Logic (If Any) of Thailand’s 10,000 Baht Handout
By Tita Sanglee
The debate surrounding the "digital wallet" stimulus is now less about whether it’s a good or bad idea and more about just how much damage it will do.
US Imposes Visa Restrictions on Thai Officials Over Uyghur Deportation
By Sebastian Strangio
The Thai authorities deported 40 Uyghur asylum seekers to China in a secretive operation in late February.
What’s Next for Philippine Politics After Duterte’s Arrest
By Mong Palatino
Both the Marcos and Duterte camps are actively promoting self-serving narratives about the ex-leader's extradition to The Hague.
Myanmar’s Economy Shrank 2 Percent in Year to March, Report Says
By Sebastian Strangio
With the civil war showing no sign of ending, the country's economic prospects will remain "bleak" in 2025-26.
Detained Philippine Ex-President Admits ‘Responsibility’ For Anti-drug Campaign
By Sebastian Strangio
Rodrigo Duterte is set to appear before the International Criminal Court for the first time today, following his extradition to The Hague earlier this week.