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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.
Thailand’s Senate Election: The Definition of Insanity
By Ian Hollinger
Attempts to create an upper house that is "above" the dirty reality of Thai politics have failed before – and will fail again.
Malaysia Will Not Recognize Unilateral Sanctions on Iran, Official Says
By Sebastian Strangio
The U.S. Treasury Department has expressed its concerns over Iran using Malaysian entities to finance allied militant groups, including Hamas.
Vietnam’s Defense Strategy: A Maritime-Oriented Continental Perspective
By Nguyen The Phuong
At a time when Vietnam is increasingly looking to the sea, how can it balance a focus on its western continental frontiers and the eastern maritime domain?
Vietnam’s Security Concerns About the Funan Techo Canal Project Are Misplaced
By Sokvy Rim
There are a number of potential concerns with the Cambodian government's plans for an inland waterway, but security isn't one of them.
Chinese Deployment to Ream Naval Base Not Permanent, Cambodia Says
By Sebastian Strangio
Two Chinese navy corvettes have been moored at the base's new China-built pier since December.
Philippines to Probe Recording of Alleged South China Sea Agreement
By Sebastian Strangio
The recording, released this week by the Chinese embassy in Manila, purports to lay out a "new model" for managing tensions at Second Thomas Shoal in the Spratly Islands.
Former Thai PM Thaksin Holds Talks With Opponents of Myanmar Junta
By Sebastian Strangio
The former leader met officials from the opposition National Unity Government and a number of ethnic armed groups during recent trips to northern Thailand.
Mapping Territorial Control in Post-Coup Myanmar: Flawed by Design?
By Han Ya
Attempts to map the areas controlled by the military junta and its various opponents frequently obscure more than they reveal.
Amazon Web Services Announces $9 Billion Cloud Investment in Singapore
By Sebastian Strangio
The investment will augment Amazon's cloud infrastructure in Singapore, and reinforce the city-state’s status as one of the world’s major data hubs.
Is the Lao State Collapsing?
By David Hutt
The current economic crisis has hollowed out the capacity of an already weak state apparatus.
Philippines Won’t Use Water Cannons in Maritime Standoff With China, Marcos Says
By Sebastian Strangio
The past year has seen a string of confrontations between Philippine and Chinese vessels in contested parts of the South China Sea.
Ethnic Resistance Group Claims Capture of Hundreds of Soldiers in Western Myanmar
By Sebastian Strangio
The Arakan Army claims that it has overrun the 15th Military Operations Command headquarters in northern Rakhine State.