Blog
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.
March 04, 2021
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.
March 03, 2021
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.
March 03, 2021
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.
March 03, 2021
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.
March 02, 2021
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.
March 02, 2021
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.
March 01, 2021
Elections to Follow COVID-19 Emergency, Malaysian PM Promises
By Sebastian Strangio
However, parliament is unlikely to convene until the state of emergency expires on August 1.
March 01, 2021
At Least 18 Killed in Crackdown as Myanmar Protests Continue to Grow
By Sebastian Strangio
Unable to reverse course and unwilling to compromise, the military junta seems likely to use force to secure its hold on power.
March 01, 2021
The World Faces a Choice Between Bad and Worse in Myanmar
By David Hutt
Jakarta's call for dialogue would legitimize the Myanmar junta, but is the most realistic option for resolving the country's crisis.
February 26, 2021
Cambodia’s Sees COVID-19 Spike After Chinese Nationals Break Quarantine
By Luke Hunt
The government has also deported a Chinese media proprietor for spreading “fake news” about COVID-19 vaccines.
February 26, 2021
The Rise and Rise of Nguyen Phu Trong
By Quynh Tran
How Vietnam's party chief defied conventional wisdom and became his country's most powerful leader in a generation.
February 26, 2021
Philippines Offers to Trade Nurses for COVID-19 Vaccines
By Nick Aspinwall
The country’s in-demand healthcare workers are outraged at a government proposal to send them to Europe in exchange for doses of vaccine.