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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.
76% of Filipinos View China as Country’s ‘Greatest Threat’: Survey
By Sebastian Strangio
Public attitudes toward China in the Philippines have dipped considerably as tensions have increased in the South China Sea.
Vietnam Appoints President’s Ally as New Security Minister
By Sebastian Strangio
Lt. Gen. Luong Tam Quang's appointment strengthens the chances of his former boss becoming the next Communist Party chief.
Indonesia’s President Says New Capital On Track, Despite Resignations
By Sebastian Strangio
Joko Widodo said yesterday that the new city is on schedule to host this year's Independence Day celebrations on August 17.
Myanmar Junta Launches Crackdown on Gold, Currency Traders
By Sebastian Strangio
The massive gap between the black market and official rates for the kyat has created lucrative opportunities for arbitrage.
Philippines Accuses China of Seizing Air-Dropped Supplies in South China Sea
By Sebastian Strangio
The country's military chief claims that the incident saw Chinese boats come within five meters of the Philippine outpost at Second Thomas Shoal.
US Defense Secretary Austin Visits Cambodia for Talks With New Leadership
By Sebastian Strangio
The secretary of defense said that he had "substantive conversations" with Prime Minister Hun Manet and other Cambodian officials.
Looking At Demographics, Thailand’s Minimum Wage Hike Makes Sense
By David Hutt
The country's shrinking workforce is primarily a problem for consumption, not production.
Junta Airstrike Hits Wedding in Myanmar’s North, Dozens Feared Dead
By Sebastian Strangio
As the military junta loses ground, it has come to rely more heavily on air strikes to wreak vengeance on resistance-held areas.
Top Officials in Charge of Indonesia’s New Capital Project Step Down
By Sebastian Strangio
The resignations of Bambang Susantono and his deputy have raised questions about the future of the multibillion-dollar Nusantara project.
Severe Turbulence over Myanmar
By Sribala Subramanian
Could the pilots of Singapore Airlines Flight SQ321 have bypassed a thunderstorm?
Why the EU’s Deforestation-Free Regulation Is Not Working in Southeast Asia
By Lauren Mai
Indonesia and Malaysia, which account for 85 percent of global palm oil production, have reacted with hostility to the EU's new regulation.
Indonesia Ready to Send Peacekeepers to Gaza, Prabowo Says
By Sebastian Strangio
Addressing the Shangri-La Dialogue defense forum in Singapore, the president-elect also called for the U.S. and China to exercise restraint as geopolitical tensions build.