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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.
Indonesia’s Participation at the 2021 G-20 Summit: Key Takeaways
By Noto Suoneto
Indonesia took over the leadership of the G-20, so its agenda for the multilateral group becomes even more important in 2022.
Filipino Martial Law Victims Challenge Marcos’ Election Bid
By Jim Gomez
They fear that should Ferdinand Marcos Jr. win the presidency it could lead to a white-washing of the grave abuses and extreme corruption of the Marcos dictatorship.
The Philippines’ 2022 Budget Is Not Afraid of Debt
By James Guild
The Duterte government is going to try to spend its way out of any lingering economic headwinds from the pandemic, and it is not afraid to run deficits to do so.
Myanmar Election Body Charges Aung San Suu Kyi With Electoral Fraud
By Grant Peck
It could potentially result in the NLD being dissolved and unable to participate in a new election the military has promised in two years.
Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte Will Run for Senate After All
By Jim Gomez
The announcement marks the end of a turbulent period of speculation on the term-limited Duterte’s next political move.
Across Southeast Asia, Countries Reopen Borders In Time For Holidays
By Alifah Zainuddin
Southeast Asian countries are taking a cautious approach to restart tourism.
US Journalist Jailed in Myanmar for Nearly 6 Months Freed
By Grant Peck and David Rising
Danny Fenster, an American journalist sentenced to 11 years last week, was freed on Monday.
Myanmar Political Standoff Leaves Economy in Tatters
By Elaine Kurtenbach
With foreign trade falling by 22 percent, dollars are scarce and valuable versus the kyat.
Will Cambodia Commit to Protecting Its Forests?
By Nith Kosal
Over the past two decades, Cambodia has lost 28 percent of its tree cover. Inaction will mean further losses.
Myanmar Court Sentences US Journalist to 11 Years in Jail
By Grant Peck
Danny Fenster, the managing editor of Frontier Myanmar, could face up to life in prison when additional charges are factored in.
Did COVID-19 Strengthen Authoritarianism in Southeast Asia?
By David Hutt
There doesn’t appear to be any clear correlation between how a government handled the pandemic and the waning of political freedom.
Cambodia Dismisses US Sanctions as ‘Politically Motivated’
By David Rising and Sopheng Cheang
While U.S. relations with Phnom Penh have long been frosty, new tensions relate to China's construction of facilities at Cambodia’s Ream Naval Base.