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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.
What’s Behind Cambodia’s Cancellation of Military Exercises with China?
By Sebastian Strangio
The cancellation, purportedly due to COVID-19, could be a peace offering to the Biden administration.
Report Shows Rising Southeast Asian Trust in US, Falling Trust in China
By Sebastian Strangio
Fear of China, and optimism about the Biden administration, underpin the shift in regional opinion toward the two superpowers.
Myanmar Coup Leader: ‘Join Hands’ With Army for Democracy
By Associated Press
Anti-coup protesters are unlikely to be swayed by Sen. Gen. Min Aung Hlaing's call for unity.
Philippines Vaccine Program Hindered by Delays, Public Distrust
By Nick Aspinwall
The government’s mass vaccination start date is in flux, and Filipinos still harbor fears after a 2016 dengue vaccine scandal eroded public confidence in vaccinations.
Myanmar Junta Readies Draconian Cyber-Security Legislation
By Sebastian Strangio
The draft law is clearly intended to rein in the use of social media by the country's burgeoning Civil Disobedience Movement.
Ripple Effects of Myanmar Coup Felt in India’s Northeast
By Thet Swe Aye and Bikash Kumar Bhattacharya
The February 1 coup has generated concern among Chin refugees in India's northeast, and could complicate the country's counterinsurgency efforts.
Why is the Kachin Independence Organization Keeping Silent on the Myanmar Coup?
By Joe Kumbun
From the insurgent group's perspective, it makes little difference who roams the halls of power in Naypyidaw.
Following Coup, US Targets Myanmar Military With Sanctions
By Sebastian Strangio
The sanctions seem designed to limit the impact on the public – but Myanmar's coup leaders are unlikely to yield.
Biden Administration Seeks to Stabilize US-Philippines Alliance
By Sebastian Strangio
The Biden administration is keen on shoring up its alliance with Philippines, but President Rodrigo Duterte remains the joker in the pack.
As Myanmar Protests Build, Crackdown Takes a Violent Turn
By Sebastian Strangio
The shootings raise the specter of a more concerted crackdown by a military that is no stranger to the use of deadly force.
Advancing Indonesia-Malaysia Relations Amid COVID-19
By Prashanth Parameswaran
Much of the quick visit of the Malaysian prime minister to Indonesia signaled continuity in relations rather than any major boost.
Myanmar’s Generals Reshape Regional Political Dynamics
By Luke Hunt
Min Aung Hlaing's seizure of power in Myanmar has shaken up the region's diplomatic balance.