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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.
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
By Khang Vu
The late party chief adroitly balanced Vietnam's relationships with the major powers, while expanding its role on the international stage.
Thailand’s Appetite for Bite-sized News
By Sribala Subramanian
Video-sharing platforms have experienced a “remarkable” growth spurt so far this year.
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.
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
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
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?
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
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
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?
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
By Sebastian Strangio
Despite pledging to de-escalate tensions at Second Thomas Shoal, Beijing and Manila continue to exchange rhetorical fire.