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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.
Re-centering Cambodian Interests in the Ream Naval Base Debate
By Kathrin Reed
Much discussion about China's role in the refurbishment of the base has overlooked Phnom Penh's own economic and security imperatives.
Philippine Senate Passes Resolution Condemning Beijing’s South China Sea ‘Incursions’
By Sebastian Strangio
The resolution, spearheaded by a critic of President Marcos, comes amid growing frictions in disputed waters.
Why Malaysia’s Government Had to Prosecute Muhammad Sanusi for Sedition
By Aizat Shamsuddin
For years, the caretaker chief minister of Kedah state and his party have whipped up Malay grievances that threaten to undermine the country's ethnic and social cohesion.
Why Did Myanmar’s Military Reduce Aung San Suu Kyi’s Prison Sentence?
By Sebastian Strangio
The move is part of a strategy aimed at normalizing the junta's relations with the outside world - or at least with ASEAN.
Aung San Suu Kyi Has Some of Her Prison Sentences Reduced by Myanmar’s Military Junta
By Associated Press
Despite the minor reduction in her prison sentence, the 78-year-old Nobel laureate still faces 27 years in prison.
Rights Groups Call on Laos to Release Dissident Chinese Lawyer
By Sebastian Strangio
Lu Siwei was arrested on July 28, as he tried to board a train from Vientiane to Bangkok, and is expected to face deportation soon.
Myanmar Junta Extends State of Emergency for Fourth Time
By Sebastian Strangio
The extension is an admission that the military has failed to quell the broad-based armed resistance to its rule.
Vietnam Imprisons 54 Officials Over COVID-19 Flights Graft Case
By Sebastian Strangio
Among the most prominent officials were high-ranking members of the ministries of foreign affairs, public health, and public security.
Myanmar Junta Transfers Aung San Suu Kyi Out of Solitary Confinement
By Sebastian Strangio
The 78-year-old leader is now reportedly being detained at a government building in Naypyidaw.
After Years of Promises, Will Thaksin Finally Return to Thailand?
By Sebastian Strangio
There are several reasons to think that the fugitive former PM might actually be becoming home.
How Will Cambodia’s Incoming Leader Affect the Country’s Foreign Relations?
By Sebastian Strangio
China will be the main benefactor of the Hun Manet administration, while relations with the Western democracies will remain fraught.
Cambodian Naval Base to Test Hun Manet’s Relations With Washington
By Luke Hunt
Satellite images confirm China-backed Ream upgrade is almost complete.