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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.
With Latest Resignations, Vietnam’s ‘Game of Thrones’ Intensifies
By Huynh Tam Sang
The country's corruption crackdown, which has led to the exit of two senior leaders in recent weeks, reflects an alarming escalation of cronyism and party infighting.
China Coast Guard Again Fires Water Cannons at Philippine Vessels Near Disputed Shoal
By Sebastian Strangio
The incident near Chinese-occupied Scarborough Shoal caused damage to two vessels, the Philippine government said.
Deforestation in Indonesia Spiked Last Year, But Some Trends Are Improving
By Victoria Milko
According to one resources analyst, large-scale deforestation appears to be shrinking compared to the past.
Thailand Confirms Former Career Diplomat as New Foreign Minister
By Sebastian Strangio
Maris Sangiampongsa, a former ambassador to Australia, Fiji, and Nepal, will replace the outgoing foreign minister, who resigned unexpectedly over the weekend.
Lee and Jokowi Pledge Continuity at Final Leaders’ Summit
By Sebastian Strangio
For the first time, the Singaporean and Indonesian leaders attended the Leaders' Retreat along with their successors.
Philippine Students Told to Stay Home as Southeast Asia Copes With a Sweltering Heat Wave
By Jim Gomez
The Philippines is among the nations worst affected by the sweltering weather in Southeast Asia.
Philippines Denies Chinese Claim About South China Sea ‘Agreement’
By Sebastian Strangio
Earlier this month, a Chinese embassy spokesperson said that the two nations had reached a "common understanding" on the dispute.
Thai Foreign Minister Steps Down, Leaving Myanmar Policy in Limbo
By Sebastian Strangio
The unexpected resignation comes at a time when the Thai policy toward its troubled neighbor remains in flux.
Head of Vietnam’s Parliament Resigns Amid Corruption Probe
By Associated Press
The resignation of National Assembly Chair Vuong Dinh Hue adds to growing perceptions of instability in the country.
Artificial Intelligence and the Future of Singapore’s Foreign Workforce
By Tappy Lung
Without careful regulations, AI will widen the already significant divide between Singaporean workers and the country's large population of migrant laborers.
Indonesia’s Prabowo On Brink of Parliamentary Majority After Receiving Rival Party’s Backing
By Sebastian Strangio
The NasDem party, which backed a competing presidential candidate, said it was ready to pledge its "full support" for the ex-general's administration.
Indonesian Imperialism Is Alive – And Brutal – in West Papua
By David Hutt
In the restive eastern province, Cold War realpolitik continues to reverberate.