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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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Foreign, Defense Ministers From Japan and the Philippines to Meet Next Week

Foreign, Defense Ministers From Japan and the Philippines to Meet Next Week

By Sebastian Strangio
The two sides are expected to discuss a much-anticipated reciprocal access agreement that will remove hurdles to joint military exercises and deeper defense cooperation.
Thai PM Srettha Thavisin’s Approval Ratings Dip to New Low

Thai PM Srettha Thavisin’s Approval Ratings Dip to New Low

By Sebastian Strangio
The latest NIDA survey also saw the opposition Move Forward Party extend its lead as the country's most popular party.

Myanmar’s Junta Is Also Losing on the Supermarket Shelves

Myanmar’s Junta Is Also Losing on the Supermarket Shelves

By Luke Hunt
International financial institutions say the country's economy is stagnating. In reality, it is going backwards.

Monk’s Funeral Highlights Myanmar Army’s Delicate Relationship to Buddhist Clergy

Monk’s Funeral Highlights Myanmar Army’s Delicate Relationship to Buddhist Clergy

By Grant Peck
The 78-year-old monk Bhaddanta Munindarbhivamsa was shot dead by soldiers this month. The military initially tried to pin it on anti-regime forces.

Myanmar Junta Admits ‘Challenges’ in Fighting Opium Cultivation, Meth Production

Myanmar Junta Admits ‘Challenges’ in Fighting Opium Cultivation, Meth Production

By Sebastian Strangio
The military says it stepping up its fight against narcotics, without reckoning with its own role in the recent boom in production.
Southeast Asia’s Real Choices Lie Beyond the ‘Swing State’ Paradigm

Southeast Asia’s Real Choices Lie Beyond the ‘Swing State’ Paradigm

By Prashanth Parameswaran
The real choices facing the region lie in specific swing sectors, rather than the aggregate U.S.-China choices of a few designated swing states.

How Big Is the Philippines’ Online Gambling Problem?

How Big Is the Philippines’ Online Gambling Problem?

By Alvin Camba
Authorities say they are uncovering more illegal Philippine Online Gaming Corporations, or POGOs, but the overall size of the industry is harder to gauge.
Former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte Mulling Senate Run

Former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte Mulling Senate Run

By Sebastian Strangio
After the collapse of its alliance with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., the Duterte clan is planning its reconquest of the Philippine presidency in 2028.

Thailand Is the Myanmar Military’s Gateway to the Global Financial System, Report Says

Thailand Is the Myanmar Military’s Gateway to the Global Financial System, Report Says

By Sebastian Strangio
The country's banks have taken up the slack following a crackdown by the Singaporean authorities last year.

Can Vice President Sara Duterte Lead the Philippine Opposition?

Can Vice President Sara Duterte Lead the Philippine Opposition?

By Mong Palatino
Following her resignation from the Cabinet, Duterte may struggle to become the focal point of a broad anti-Marcos coalition.

Philippines Says it Wants ‘Dialogue’ With China Following Maritime Clash

Philippines Says it Wants ‘Dialogue’ With China Following Maritime Clash

By Sebastian Strangio
The country's top diplomat says that the country will pursue "confidence building measures," but is "not blind" to recent incidents in the South China Sea.
US Diplomat Reportedly Met Myanmar Naval Officer in Vietnam

US Diplomat Reportedly Met Myanmar Naval Officer in Vietnam

By Sebastian Strangio
The meeting between Daniel Kritenbrink and Kyaw Lin Zaw may mark a shift in the U.S. approach to Myanmar's conflict.

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