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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.
May 05, 2020
Is Indonesia Facing a Looming Food Crisis?
By Marcus Tantau
Indonesia’s food security has become a focal point as the impact of COVID-19 reverberates across the archipelago.
May 04, 2020
Malaysia Begins to Ease COVID-19 Lockdown Despite Lingering Concerns
By Associated Press
Businesses are reopening for the first time since the lockdown began on March 18, but critics worry the move has come too soon.
May 04, 2020
How COVID-19 Is Reshaping Terror Threats in Indonesia
By Ulta Levenia and Alban Sciascia
Ramadan is always a prime time for JAD to conduct terrorist attacks. How will the pandemic affect that trend?
May 04, 2020
Did Vietnamese Hackers Target the Chinese Government to Get Information on COVID-19?
By Carl Thayer
What links does APT32 have to the Vietnamese state?
May 02, 2020
Will the ‘Milk Tea War’ Have a Lasting Impact on China-Thailand Relations?
By Poowin Bunyavejchewin
The online spat, though short-lived, revealed deeper-seated reservations about the relationship among Thai people.
May 01, 2020
Indonesian Women Were Already at Risk. Then COVID-19 Came.
By Made Ayu Mariska
Proposed laws, plus the added isolation and stress of the pandemic, could worsen the situation for Indonesian women already facing abuse and discrimination.
May 01, 2020
Will Vietnam Be ASEAN Chair for Another Year?
By David Hutt
There are rumors that Vietnam wants an extra year as chair, to make up for the COVID-19 disruption. Would the rest of ASEAN agree to that?
May 01, 2020
Myanmar and COVID-19
By Kyaw San Wai
Myanmar is having to weigh competing public health and socioecononmic concerns, all with an eye toward navigating the precarious civil-military balance.
May 01, 2020
Are Philippine Militants Looking to Take Advantage of COVID-19?
By Kenneth Yeo
Hints of a united front among Abu Sayyaf Group factions could sorely test a Philippine military already stretched thin by the pandemic.
May 01, 2020
UN Human Rights Expert Accuses Myanmar Army of Fresh Abuses
By Associated Press
A UN special rapporteur took aim at the Myanmar military for targeting ethnic minorities in Rakhine and Chin states.
April 30, 2020
Police Abuse, Prison Deaths Draw Concern as Philippines Tightens Lockdown Measures
By Nick Aspinwall
Rights groups and journalists have flagged physical abuse by police and unreported prison deaths as the Philippine government orders all quarantine violators to be arrested.
April 30, 2020
Indonesia Needs to Change Its Security-Heavy Approach to COVID-19
By Tangguh Chairil
The government is fighting a plague, not rebels.