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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.
July 13, 2021
Myanmar Junta Imposes Fresh Charges on Aung San Suu Kyi
By Sebastian Strangio
The military is attempting to sideline the 76-year-old leader from Myanmar politics permanently.
July 13, 2021
China Tightens Border Controls as COVID-19 Surges in Myanmar
By Sebastian Strangio
Measures include the effective fortification of large parts of the border between the two countries.
July 13, 2021
6 Out of 10 ASEAN Leaders Listed in RSF’s Gallery of ‘Press Predators’
By Luke Hunt
In Myanmar, “terror is back” – and the same can be said for much of Asia.
July 12, 2021
Malaysia’s ‘Total Lockdown’ Failure Plunges Hospitals Into Crisis
By Alifah Zainuddin
A COVID-19 surge is overwhelming many of Malaysia’s intensive care units, as rivalries among politicians allow a disaster to unfold.
July 12, 2021
The Regional Absence in Mainland Southeast Asia’s COVID-19 Strategy
By David Hutt
Despite their local vaccination efforts, the nations of the region won't be safe until the entire region achieves herd immunity.
July 12, 2021
Key Questions Remain Unanswered in Killing of Cambodian Activist
By Sebastian Strangio
The 2016 killing of Dr. Kem Ley marked the beginning of a severe tightening of the political space.
July 09, 2021
COVID-19 Tightens Its Grip on Southeast Asia
By Sebastian Strangio
At least half of the region's 11 nations have seen record daily infection counts over the past week.
July 09, 2021
COVID-19’s Toll on Youth in Southeast Asia
By Karen Lee
With infections spiking across the region, young people are likely to be disproportionately affected over the long term.
July 09, 2021
Norway’s Telenor Sells Myanmar Telecoms Operation to Lebanese Firm
By Sebastian Strangio
The buyer was M1 Group, a Beirut-based firm with links to Myanmar's military.
July 08, 2021
UMNO Withdraws Its Support for Malaysian Ruling Coalition
By Sebastian Strangio
The move comes after months of sniping between the party and Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin's camp.
July 08, 2021
Desperate Indonesians Search for Oxygen as Virus Cases Soar
By Niniek Karmini
Hospitals are bursting beyond capacity and oxygen supplies are running out, leaving people desperate.
July 07, 2021
ASEAN Plans to Expedite Myanmar Response: Singapore
By Sebastian Strangio
The Southeast Asian bloc has so far struggled to implement its "five-point consensus."