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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.
How Serious Is Malaysia About a Clean Energy Transition?
By James Guild
Anwar Ibrahim's government has announced an ambitious transition plan, but it will take some effort to wean the country off fossil fuels.
Former Thai PM Thaksin Returns From Self-exile as PM Vote Looms
By Sebastian Strangio
The fugitive leader's return reflects the dramatic realignment that has taken place in Thai politics since the general election in May.
Cambodian Parliament Approves Longtime Leader’s Son as Prime Minister
By David Rising and Sopheng Cheang
The long-planned succession is part of a broader generational shift within the ruling Cambodian People's Party.
Myanmar Junta Threatens to Punish Those Holding Foreign Currency
By Sebastian Strangio
The policy is an attempt to arrest the slide in the kyat, which has depreciated sharply since the 2021 coup.
China’s Digital Silk Road and Malaysia’s Technological Neutrality
By Ilaria Carrozza and Giacomo Bruni
Like other nations in Asia and Africa, Malaysia has shown considerable agency in navigating the tech war between the United States and China.
A Chin Village’s Unique Protest Against the Military Junta in Myanmar
By Rajeev Bhattacharyya
Villagers are expanding a hydropower project on their own to show that they are not dependent on the regime in Naypyidaw.
Three Candidates Approved to Run in Singaporean Presidential Election
By Sebastian Strangio
Six candidates applied to run for the mostly ceremonial post, but only three met the city-state's stringent criteria.
Who Promised to Remove the Grounded Philippine Ship on Second Thomas Shoal?
By Mong Palatino
Government officials, including two former presidents, have denied Beijing's claim that Manila made an agreement to remove the ship from the disputed shoal.
The Rise and Rise of Malaysia’s Nationalist Right-Wing
By Aizat Shamsuddin
This month's state elections saw broad electoral gains for the Malay nationalist PN coalition, the result of years of far-right rhetoric and organizing.
China’s Educational Soft Power Is Seeing Results in Indonesia
By Azis Anwar Fahcrodin
Generous government scholarships have generated positive impressions of China – and even an impulse to defend its policies in the face of Western criticism.
Thailand’s Pheu Thai Party Joins With Former Rival to Form Government
By Sebastian Strangio
The marriage of convenience between Pheu Thai and the United Thai Nation Party reflects the stunning political realignment that has occurred since May's general election.
Thailand’s Constitutional Court Rejects Move Forward Petition Challenging Parliamentary Vote
By Sebastian Strangio
The court's decision has paved the way for Parliament to convene on August 22 to select a prime minister.