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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.
Prabowo Pledges Closer Ties With Japan Following China Visit
By Sebastian Strangio
The Indonesian president-elect's back-to-back visits to China and Japan point to a continuation of his predecessor's pragmatic foreign policy.
Thailand’s Bid for a Seat on the UN Human Rights Council is Poorly Timed
By Mark S. Cogan
The diplomatic push has not been matched by sufficient improvements in the country's own human rights record.
Does a Ship’s Flag Matter?
By Aisyah Llewellyn
The container ship that collided with the Francis Scott Key Bridge flew a Singaporean flag, but this is unlikely to play much of a role in the complex legal case to come.
Indonesia’s Prabowo Meets China’s Xi on First Visit Since Election
By Muhammad Zulfikar Rakhmat and Yeta Purnama
China's hosting of the Indonesian president-elect highlights its desire to hit the ground running when the new administration takes office in October.
Third Malaysian Mini-Mart Attacked Over ‘Allah Socks’ Scandal
By Sebastian Strangio
KK Supermart, the country's second-largest chain of convenience stores, is at the center of a social media firestorm.
Philippines to Hold Joint Maritime Patrols With US, Japan
By Sebastian Strangio
The announcement of the joint South China Sea maneuvers is expected to be announced at a trilateral summit between the three nations next week.
Is Singapore Unfriending Israel?
By Sribala Subramanian
The city-state recently denounced a Facebook post from the Israeli embassy as “unacceptable."
End of an Era as the Phnom Penh Post Closes Its Doors
By Luke Hunt
“With the advent of AI… we are in very scary, uncharted waters,” says co-founder Michael Hayes.
Philippine President Warns of Countermeasures in Response to Chinese Aggression at Sea
By Jim Gomez
Marcos' warning is the latest sign of the escalating disputes between China and the Philippines in the contested waters of the South China Sea.
China Infrastructure Pledges Falling Short in Southeast Asia, Report Claims
By Sebastian Strangio
Despite unfulfilled pledges of more than $50 billion, Beijing still remains the region's largest infrastructure funder by a considerable margin.
Thailand’s Parliament Passes Landmark Marriage Equality Bill
By Sebastian Strangio
Once the law is approved by the Senate and the King, the country will become the first in Southeast Asia to legalize same-sex marriage.
Singapore’s Race to Self-sufficiency in Malaysia Water Clash
By TamilSalvi Mari
Building tensions between Singapore and Malaysia over a water agreement are setting the two on a collision course over scarcity and sustainability.