Blog
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.
Killing of Monks Raises Fear of a Holy Conflict in Myanmar
By Luke Hunt
As mourners queue, the military apologizes and issues a rare apology for the military's shooting of two monks, including an influential abbot.
Dissecting Thailand’s Peculiar Maneuver at the Ukraine Peace Summit
By Tita Sanglee
Did Bangkok's refusal to sign the joint communique reflect inconsistency, or a more principled policy stance?
Philippine Court Drops Final Drug Charge Against Leading Duterte Critic
By Sebastian Strangio
Former Senator Leila de Lima is finally free of the seven-year, politically motivated legal ordeal.
Rohingya May Have Crossed Into Bangladesh Amid Latest Fighting: Report
By Sebastian Strangio
Tens of thousands of Rohingya Muslims remain trapped in northern Rakhine State, as fighting continues between the military and the Arakan Army.
Malaysia’s Sea Nomads: Trapped Between Southeast Asia’s High and Low Politics
By Mustika Indah Khairina and Wengki Ariando
Sea nomads have faced decades of discrimination in postcolonial Southeast Asia. Malaysia’s recent mass evictions of the Bajau Laut are just the latest example.
Vietnam Says It’s Ready to Hold Talks With Philippines on Overlapping Continental Shelf Claims
By Aniruddha Ghosal and Jim Gomez
The diplomatic approach contrasts with China’s increasingly assertive actions to fortify its claims in the South China Sea.
Following Putin Visit, Senior US Official Touches Down in Vietnam
By Sebastian Strangio
Daniel Kritenbrink, the State Department's second-in-command of East Asian and Pacific Affairs, has arrived in Hanoi for a two-day visit.
Striking a Balance: The Philippines’ Path to Sustainable Critical Minerals Development
By Rocco Cartusciello
Manila is under pressure to begin exploiting its rich mineral deposits, but it needs to carefully consider the likely social and environmental costs.
Putin Signs Deals With Vietnam to Offset Moscow’s Growing Isolation
By Aniruddha Ghosal
The Russian leader's two-day visit to Hanoi follows trips by U.S. President Joe Biden and Chinese leader Xi Jinping.
Philippine Vice President Duterte Quits Marcos Cabinet, Solidifying Rift
By Sebastian Strangio
Two years after triumphing at the polls, the Marcos-Duterte "uniteam" has collapsed amid insults and acrimony.
Putin’s Trip to Vietnam: The Next Phase of Major Power Competition
By Khang Vu
The Russian leader is just the latest major power leader to come to Hanoi bearing gifts and promises.
Philippine Military Demands Return Equipment of Seized by China During Maritime Clash
By Sebastian Strangio
The Philippine military has also released video footage of Monday's incident in the South China Sea, which injured eight Filipino sailors, one seriously.