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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.

Where is Aung San Suu Kyi?
By Sribala Subramanian
Myanmar's ousted leader was reportedly whisked out of jail during a heatwave.

EU, UN Reschedule Launch of Anti-human Trafficking Project in Cambodia After Questions About Venue
By Jack Brook
The event was scheduled to take place at a hotel owned by the L.Y.P. Group conglomerate, which also owns a casino with links to forced scamming operations.

Philippines Again Accuses China of Inflaming Maritime Tensions
By Sebastian Strangio
Earlier this week, two Philippine vessels were damaged in the latest confrontation with China Coast Guard patrol boats in the South China Sea.

Even If Thailand’s MFP Is Dissolved, the Monarchy Reform Movement Will Live On
By David Hutt
If disbanded over its pledge to reform the country's "sacred" institution, the Move Forward Party will simply re-emerge in new form.

With Latest Resignations, Vietnam’s ‘Game of Thrones’ Intensifies
By Huynh Tam Sang
The country's corruption crackdown, which has led to the exit of two senior leaders in recent weeks, reflects an alarming escalation of cronyism and party infighting.

Indonesia Mulling Dual Citizenship In a Bid to Reverse Brain Drain
By Sebastian Strangio
Recent years have seen growing numbers of young Indonesians seeking opportunities abroad, particularly in Singapore.

China Coast Guard Again Fires Water Cannons at Philippine Vessels Near Disputed Shoal
By Sebastian Strangio
The incident near Chinese-occupied Scarborough Shoal caused damage to two vessels, the Philippine government said.

Deforestation in Indonesia Spiked Last Year, But Some Trends Are Improving
By Victoria Milko
According to one resources analyst, large-scale deforestation appears to be shrinking compared to the past.

Thailand Confirms Former Career Diplomat as New Foreign Minister
By Sebastian Strangio
Maris Sangiampongsa, a former ambassador to Australia, Fiji, and Nepal, will replace the outgoing foreign minister, who resigned unexpectedly over the weekend.

Lee and Jokowi Pledge Continuity at Final Leaders’ Summit
By Sebastian Strangio
For the first time, the Singaporean and Indonesian leaders attended the Leaders' Retreat along with their successors.

Philippine Students Told to Stay Home as Southeast Asia Copes With a Sweltering Heat Wave
By Jim Gomez
The Philippines is among the nations worst affected by the sweltering weather in Southeast Asia.

Philippines Denies Chinese Claim About South China Sea ‘Agreement’
By Sebastian Strangio
Earlier this month, a Chinese embassy spokesperson said that the two nations had reached a "common understanding" on the dispute.