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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.
ASEAN Envoy Travels to Myanmar, Meets Military Junta Chief
By Sebastian Strangio
Alounkeo Kittikhoun and Min Aung Hlaing discussed Myanmar's representation within ASEAN and the bloc’s provision of humanitarian aid to the country.
Vietnam Removes Another Top Leader as Political Blood-Letting Continues
By Sebastian Strangio
Truong Thi Mai, the permanent member of the Party Central Committee's Secretariat, is the third top leader to step down in the past two months.
Why Is Vietnam Becoming A Police State?
By David Hutt
After years of focusing narrowly on economic growth, the Communist Party is seeking a different – and sharper-edged – form of legitimacy.
Malaysian PM Anwar Ibrahim Meets Hamas Delegation in Qatar
By Sebastian Strangio
The meeting came just days after a U.S. Treasury delegation visited Malaysia to express its concerns that the Palestinian group was raising funds in the country.
Serial Has a New Guantanamo Podcast, but Is Anyone Listening?
By Aisyah Llewellyn
The podcast's latest series examines the history of the detention camp, where around 30 people, including Indonesian and Malaysian nationals, remain incarcerated.
Thai Monarchy Reform Activist Dies in Custody After Months-Long Hunger Strike
By Sebastian Strangio
The death of Netiporn “Bung” Sanesangkhom has drawn attention to the Thai government's cruel use of pretrial detention to silence peaceful critics of the monarchy.
Fight or Concede, Myanmar’s Junta Must Decide
By Luke Hunt
Calm has returned to the Thai border after fighting last month. But some sources say the military is gearing up for a major counteroffensive on Myawaddy.
End of An Era in Singapore as PM Lee Prepares to Hand Over Power
By Sebastian Strangio
Tomorrow, Lawrence Wong will become the city-state's fourth prime minister. He faces a host of challenges on both the domestic and international fronts.
Philippines to Take Steps to Prevent Chinese Reclamation in South China Sea
By Sebastian Strangio
Over the weekend, Manila accused Beijing of attempting to create an "artificial island" at Sabina Shoal, an unoccupied reef 75 nautical miles from Palawan island.
China and Cambodia to Begin Annual Military Exercise to Strengthen Cooperation, Fight Terrorism
By Sopheng Cheang
A total of 1,315 military personnel from Cambodia and 760 from China will participate in the 15-day Golden Dragon exercise.
Thailand Cuts Off Internet, Mobile Phone Connections to Myanmar Scam Hub
By Sebastian Strangio
The National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission says that connections supplying Shwe Kokko, a center of online fraud operations in Myanmar's Kayin State, were illegal.
Russia’s Putin Could Visit Vietnam This Month, Reports Claim
By Sebastian Strangio
The Russian leader could include a stop in Hanoi on his upcoming state visit to China.