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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.
Philippines’ President Marcos Condemns Vice President’s Assassination Threat
By Sebastian Strangio
The intensifying feud between the Marcos and Duterte camps looks set to reshape Philippine politics in the run-up to the next presidential election in 2028.
Laos Needs a Transparent and Thorough Investigation Into Methanol Deaths
By David Hutt
The death of six foreigners in Vang Vieng threatens to undermine the government's desperate attempts to revive its tourism sector.
High-level Corruption Probe Leads to Insults and Death Threats in the Philippines
By Mong Palatino
Vice President Sara Duterte claimed that she had hired assassins to kill the president and his close allies in the event of her own death.
Cambodian Authorities Arrest Environmentalists For Investigating Illegal Logging
By Sebastian Strangio
The group included Ouch Leng, who has been awarded the prestigious Goldman Environmental Prize for his undercover investigations.
Indonesia Agrees to Repatriate ‘Bali Nine’ Drug Convicts to Australia
By Sebastian Strangio
The announcement comes days after Jakarta confirmed that it had agreed to repatriate Mary Jane Veloso, a Filipina on death row in a separate drug-related case.
Southeast Asia and BRICS: A Strategic Response to Institutional Change in the Indo-Pacific
By Pavittarbir Saggu
For Southeast Asia, BRICS is just one piece of a larger puzzle.
Vietnam, Malaysia Announce Major Diplomatic Upgrade
By Sebastian Strangio
Malaysia has become the ninth nation, and the first in ASEAN, to establish a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership with Vietnam.
Indonesia Agrees to Repatriate Filipina Drug Convict Mary Jane Veloso
By Sebastian Strangio
Veloso, now 39, has been on death row in Indonesia since her arrest for heroin trafficking in Yogyakarta in 2010.
Myanmar Topped World For Landmine Casualties in 2023, Monitor Says
By Sebastian Strangio
As its military fortunes slide, the Myanmar army has ramped up its use of antipersonnel mines.
Young Southeast Asians Are Slowly Nudging ASEAN Toward Change
By Bryanna Entwistle
Amid skepticism about the bloc’s ability to protect environmental and human rights, a new generation of activists remains hopeful.
Philippines, US Sign Military Intelligence Sharing Agreement
By Sebastian Strangio
The pact could allow the Philippines to access more sophisticated weapons systems from its long-standing security ally.
Myanmar Rebel Leader Has Been Detained in China, Report Says
By Sebastian Strangio
Peng Daxun, the head of the Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army, is reportedly under house arrest in Yunnan.