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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.
The Funan Techo Canal Won’t Have A Military Purpose
By David Hutt
Arguments that Cambodia's China-backed canal project will pose a security threat to Vietnam are wildly overblown.
Philippine Commander Denies ‘Deal’ Over South China Sea Shoal
By Sebastian Strangio
A Senate Committee is investigating the Chinese Embassy’s alleged recording of a phone call between Carlos and a Chinese military attaché in January.
Philippine Lawmakers Pass Bill Legalizing Divorce
By Sebastian Strangio
The Absolute Divorce Bill is the product of years of work on the part of representatives seeking to amend the country's notoriously restrictive divorce law.
Vietnam’s Top Security Official To Lam Confirmed as President
By David Rising
Lam was confirmed by Vietnam’s National Assembly after his predecessor resigned amid an ongoing anti-corruption campaign that has shaken the political establishment.
Vietnam Arrests Second Labor Activist In a Month, Rights Group Claims
By Sebastian Strangio
Vu Minh Tien, a prominent member of the state-controlled confederation of trade unions, was working to bring Vietnamese labor law into line with international standards.
The Last Glaciers of Indonesia
By Sribala Subramanian
Tropical ice sheets are "canaries in the coal mine" when it comes to climate change.
Philippines Calls for International Probe Into Environmental Damage at Disputed Shoal
By Sebastian Strangio
The Philippine Coast Guard claims that Chinese fishermen hunting giant clams have caused significant damage to the reefs at Scarborough Shoal.
Myanmar Military Could Be Tried For Crimes in New Zealand, NUG Says
By Luke Hunt
Anti-regime forces expected to focus on Yangon during the upcoming rainy season.
Vietnam’s National Assembly Approves New Chair, President Expected Soon
By Sebastian Strangio
The Vietnamese legislature is also expected to approve the elevation of To Lam, the powerful public security minister, to the presidency.
Arakan Army Takes Key Town in Western Myanmar, While Denying Rohingya Attacks
By Sebastian Strangio
Rights groups have accused the Arakan Army of displacing tens of thousands of Rohingya civilians during its seizure of the town of Buthidaung.
Thaksin Shinawatra and the Rise of Political Nihilism in Thailand
By Tita Sanglee
As expected, the newly rehabilitated former prime minister is again flaunting his political influence – to Thailand's detriment.
China-Funded Canal Project Strains Cambodia-Vietnam Ties
By Huynh Tam Sang
Phnom Penh claims that the Funan Techo Canal will give it greater economic autonomy, but Hanoi is concerned about the project's environmental and security implications.