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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.
UNESCO to Investigate Alleged Rights Abuses at Angkor Wat
By Luke Hunt
The rights group Amnesty International says more than 40,000 people have been forcibly displaced.
Indonesia’s Jokowi Makes Move to New Capital Nusantara
By Sebastian Strangio
The Garuda Palace is expected to provide the backdrop to Independence Day celebrations that will inaugurate the new capital on August 17.
The Silent Winner of Myanmar’s Northern Conflict
By Amara Thiha
From the chaos of the conflict in Shan State, the United Wa State Army has emerged as a potentially decisive force.
Malaysia Has Applied For BRICS Membership, Anwar Says
By Sebastian Strangio
In addition to economic benefits, Putrajaya hopes that membership will give Malaysia, and the Global South, a greater voice in international affairs.
Philippines Hit by Flooding and Oil Spill Disasters
By Mong Palatino
The pair of disasters have exposed the country's vulnerability and the weak infrastructure of its flood-prone cities.
Booming Indonesian Nickel Industry Faces Challenges Ahead
By Nugroho Adi Sasongko
The world's largest nickel producer will have to manage its global trading strategies while addressing concerns over the environment at home.
Some Reasons Not to Panic About a Thai Demographic Collapse
By David Hutt
Thailand’s working-age population could decline by around a fifth by 2050, but things are not as grim as they look.
On Myanmar, ASEAN Continues to Lag Behind a Fast-Evolving Conflict
By Sebastian Strangio
The joint communique issued by ASEAN foreign ministers over the weekend shows an organization struggling to find a way forward on the conflict.
Philippines Resupplies Contested Shoal Under ‘Understanding’ With China
By Sebastian Strangio
Manila said that “no untoward incidents" took place during Saturday's mission to Second Thomas Shoal, but the two sides continue to trade public barbs.
In Myanmar, An Impossible Election Is in China’s Interests
By Luke Hunt
With the country's state of emergency due to expire at the end of the month, the junta is plotting its next move.
Vietnam Communist Party Chief’s Funeral Draws Thousands of Mourners, Including World Leaders
By Aniruddha Ghosal
Among those in attendance were the fourth-ranked leader in the Chinese Communist Party, a former Japanese prime minister, and top Cabinet officials from the U.S. and India.
Philippines Plans to Siphon Oil Cargo From Sunken Tanker to Avert ‘Environmental Catastrophe’
By Jim Gomez
The tanker Terra Nova sank Thursday after midnight in Manila Bay with about 1.4 million liters (370,000 gallons) of industrial fuel oil stored in watertight tanks.