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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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Thailand’s Appetite for Bite-sized News

Thailand’s Appetite for Bite-sized News

By Sribala Subramanian
Video-sharing platforms have experienced a “remarkable” growth spurt so far this year.
Vietnam Communist Party Chief Nguyen Phu Trong Dies at Age 80

Vietnam Communist Party Chief Nguyen Phu Trong Dies at Age 80

By Associated Press
Trong had dominated Vietnamese politics since 2011. Now attention turns to his successor, former security minister To Lam.

Laos and China Use BRI-funded Railway to Bring Their Armies Together

Laos and China Use BRI-funded Railway to Bring Their Armies Together

By Duncan Bartlett
Military drills involving the People’s Liberation Army in Laos are designed to enhance China’s fighting capability in Southeast Asia.

Vietnam’s President To Lam Assumes Leadership Duties as Communist Party Chief Trong Faces Health Crisis

Vietnam’s President To Lam Assumes Leadership Duties as Communist Party Chief Trong Faces Health Crisis

By Shannon Tiezzi and Aniruddha Ghosal
The sudden announcement confirmed longstanding rumors of Trong's ill health, and locks in Lam as his successor.

What’s Really Ailing Thailand’s Economy?

What’s Really Ailing Thailand’s Economy?

By James Guild
Domestic politics are part of it, but the real problem is that macroeconomic conditions are not favorable for Thailand’s export-heavy economy.
Indonesia’s Massive Metals Build-out Is Felling the Forest for Batteries

Indonesia’s Massive Metals Build-out Is Felling the Forest for Batteries

By Victoria Milko, Ed Davey, and Camille Fassett
Where developers build Indonesia’s vast nickel-processing plants, surrounding forest disappears twice as fast: “The damage to the environment is devastating.”

New Deal Establishes a Hotline Chinese and Philippine Presidents Can Use to Stop Clashes at Sea

New Deal Establishes a Hotline Chinese and Philippine Presidents Can Use to Stop Clashes at Sea

By Jim Gomez
China and the Philippines have created such emergency telephone hotlines at lower levels in the past to better manage disputes.
Jemaah Islamiyah Says It Has Disbanded. Should We Believe It?

Jemaah Islamiyah Says It Has Disbanded. Should We Believe It?

By Aisyah Llewellyn
Late last month, 16 senior JI figures announced the group's dissolution, and said they were “ready to actively contribute to Indonesia's progress and dignity.”

China, Philippines Trade Statements Over Medical Evacuation From Disputed Shoal

China, Philippines Trade Statements Over Medical Evacuation From Disputed Shoal

By Sebastian Strangio
Despite pledging to de-escalate tensions at Second Thomas Shoal, Beijing and Manila continue to exchange rhetorical fire.

Philippines, Japan Sign Reciprocal Access Agreement Amid China Tensions

Philippines, Japan Sign Reciprocal Access Agreement Amid China Tensions

By Sebastian Strangio
The two sides say that the agreement marks a decisive step forward in their bilateral defense relationship.

Thai Legalization Advocates Rally as Government Moves Toward Cannabis Ban

Thai Legalization Advocates Rally as Government Moves Toward Cannabis Ban

By Sebastian Strangio
Late last week, a drug control committee approved a proposal to relist the drug as a narcotic by the end of the year.
Malaysia Appoints New Negotiator for Southern Thailand Peace Talks

Malaysia Appoints New Negotiator for Southern Thailand Peace Talks

By Sebastian Strangio
The change comes amid an uptick in violent attacks in the Deep South, including the killing of a prominent human rights defender.

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