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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.
Malaysia Deploys First Warship to New Naval Base Near Disputed Island
By Prashanth Parameswaran
Development comes just over a week after Abu Bakar Maritime Base was first unveiled.
Malaysia's 14th General Elections: Standing Still
By Dominique F. Fernandes
With the national opposition in disarray, the elections seem to be Barisan Nasional’s to lose.
How China Is Courting Myanmar
By Amara Thiha
After a few rocky years, China is building up ties with Myanmar's new government.
What’s Really Behind Vietnam’s Abduction in Germany?
By Zachary Abuza
A closer look at a recent episode and what it says about the country's politics.
Why Southeast Asia's 'Stabilitocracies' Endure
By David Hutt
For many, the price of instability still appears to be too high to pay for democracy to take root.
What’s Behind Malaysia’s Latest Mass Terror Raid?
By Prashanth Parameswaran
'Operation Joker' reflects serious concerns by the government about the extent of the Islamic State threat.
Can ASEAN Work Together to Fight Regional Terrorism?
By Chester Cabalza
As the grouping turns 50, it needs to confront the region's biggest threat.
A More Taxing Time for Cambodia’s Civil Society?
By Luke Hunt
The tax woes of a major English-language newspaper is yet another sign of the government’s growing intolerance of its critics as polls near.
Singapore Military Aircraft Delivers Terror Aid to Philippines
By Prashanth Parameswaran
The city-state begins dispatching aid to Manila as the Marawi crisis continues.
A New Base For Singapore's Fighter Jets in New Zealand?
By Prashanth Parameswaran
An upcoming military exercise comes as the two countries are mulling a new deal.
Malaysia Reveals New Maritime Base Near Disputed Island With Singapore
By Prashanth Parameswaran
Facility is just the latest sign of the revival of a decades-old dispute in bilateral ties.
Will Duterte Abandon the Left in the Philippines?
By Mong Palatino
Though there are signs of a fraying of ties, the future outlook remains murky.