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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.
June 11, 2021
Malaysian King Holds Unusual Meetings With Political Leaders
By Eileen Ng
The king is to continue meeting other political leaders over the next few days before hosting a gathering of state rulers next Wednesday.
June 10, 2021
Indonesia Targets 1 Million Daily COVID-19 Vaccinations
By Sebastian Strangio
Southeast Asia's largest nation once again stands on the brink of a fresh wave of infections.
June 10, 2021
In 2022, Cambodia Faces Challenging Turn at ASEAN’s Helm
By Heimkhemra Suy
During its upcoming chairmanship, the country faces a host of daunting challenges. But the year will bring opportunities, too.
June 10, 2021
UN Expert Says Myanmar Attacks Risk Humanitarian Tragedy
By Grant Peck
Kayah State, in the country's east, has been engulfed in serious fighting since May 21.
June 10, 2021
China’s Myanmar Policy ‘Not Affected’ by Post-Coup Chaos: Official
By Sebastian Strangio
With no solution to Myanmar’s political crisis in sight, Beijing is making a pragmatic bet on the status quo.
June 09, 2021
Why the National Unity Government’s Statement on Myanmar’s Rohingya Is Important
By Angshuman Choudhury
The shadow government's formal pledges to offer a persecuted minority justice and rights could help shape Myanmar's future.
June 09, 2021
Bankruptcy Casts Shadow Over Cambodian Oil Extraction Ceremony
By Sebastian Strangio
Last week, the Singaporean company operating the country's only offshore oil block filed for liquidation.
June 09, 2021
Vietnam Approves Chinese COVID-19 Vaccine, Reluctantly
By Sebastian Strangio
Struggling to contain an outbreak of COVID-19, Vietnam's communist government swallows its pride.
June 08, 2021
ASEAN and China Ministers Talk COVID-19, Myanmar Crisis
By Sebastian Strangio
The special meeting in Chongqing underscored the region’s increasing economic and political reliance on China.
June 08, 2021
Duterte’s Forgotten Federalism Agenda is Dead
By Mong Palatino
Duterte's promise to introduce a federal system joins a long list of unfulfilled campaign promises.
June 08, 2021
Thailand Begins Mass Vaccination Campaign Amid Reported Supply Shortages
By Sebastian Strangio
The country's health authorities are relying heavily on the local production of AstraZeneca vaccines.
June 07, 2021
Myanmar’s Opposition Shadow Government ‘No Longer Has Faith’ in ASEAN
By Sebastian Strangio
As ASEAN representatives met with senior junta leaders, anti-coup protesters burnt the bloc's flag in the street.