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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.

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Myanmar Rebel Group Claims Capture of Major Military HQ in Shan State

Myanmar Rebel Group Claims Capture of Major Military HQ in Shan State

By Sebastian Strangio
The fall of the military's Northeastern Regional Command headquarters would mark a turning-point in the country's civil war.
Myanmar Violence, South China Sea Tensions Top Agenda Ahead of ASEAN Meetings

Myanmar Violence, South China Sea Tensions Top Agenda Ahead of ASEAN Meetings

By Jintamas Saksornchai
The bloc's foreign ministers and their international counterparts are meeting at a tense time in regional affairs.

Myanmar Resistance Group Claims Capture of Ruby-Mining Town

Myanmar Resistance Group Claims Capture of Ruby-Mining Town

By Sebastian Strangio
The Three Brotherhood Alliance resistance group continues to press forward with the second phase of its Operation 1027 offensive.

Thailand Will Draft Bill to Regulate Cannabis, Minister Says

Thailand Will Draft Bill to Regulate Cannabis, Minister Says

By Sebastian Strangio
The plan to ban the drug, two years after its historic decriminalization, has opened up a political rift in PM Srettha Thavisin's coalition government.

The Vietnamese Communist Strongman’s Contested Legacy

The Vietnamese Communist Strongman’s Contested Legacy

By Huynh Tam Sang
Nguyen Phu Trong devoted his political career to purifying the system, but his anti-corruption crackdown exposed the communist regime’s political decay.
Myanmar Junta Chief Min Aung Hlaing Named Acting President

Myanmar Junta Chief Min Aung Hlaing Named Acting President

By Sebastian Strangio
The announcement followed reports that the current acting president, Myint Swe, has been placed on medical leave.

Philippine President Announces Ban on Online Gambling Operations

Philippine President Announces Ban on Online Gambling Operations

By Sebastian Strangio
The announcement comes amid scrutiny of Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators, or POGOs, and their alleged links to organized crime.
A Proposed Law Seeks to Ban Political Dynasties in the Philippines

A Proposed Law Seeks to Ban Political Dynasties in the Philippines

By Mong Palatino
The 1987 Constitution explicitly prohibits political dynasticism, but an enabling law has never been passed.

China, Philippines Reach ‘Provisional’ Deal Over Disputed Shoal

China, Philippines Reach ‘Provisional’ Deal Over Disputed Shoal

By Sebastian Strangio
The agreement, which is designed to reduce tensions at Second Thomas Shoal, was the subject of immediate disagreement between Beijing and Manila.

Myanmar Armed Groups Extend Ceasefire at China’s Urging

Myanmar Armed Groups Extend Ceasefire at China’s Urging

By Sebastian Strangio
The Three Brotherhood Alliance has agreed to hold its fire in northern Shan State until the end of the month.

Remembering Nguyen Phu Trong’s Foreign Policy Legacies

Remembering Nguyen Phu Trong’s Foreign Policy Legacies

By Khang Vu
The late party chief adroitly balanced Vietnam's relationships with the major powers, while expanding its role on the international stage.
Don’t Worry Too Much About Emigration From Laos

Don’t Worry Too Much About Emigration From Laos

By David Hutt
The problem isn’t workers leaving. The problem is what’s happening to the youngsters who are replacing them.

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