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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.
Thailand Takes Another Step Toward Legalizing Same-Sex Marriage
By Sebastian Strangio
The lower house overwhelmingly passed a package of four laws that would redefine marriage as a union between any two individuals.
Workers Lose as Indonesian Laws Can’t Keep Pace With Rideshare Apps
By Nabiyla Risfa Izzati
Gig platforms have mushroomed in Indonesia in the past decade. But regulations have lagged, and it's the workers who pay.
Philippines Again Calls Out China Over South China Sea Clashes
By Sebastian Strangio
The comments from Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro came as Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi warned that bilateral relations are "at a crossroads."
Malaysia Bars Israeli Cargo Vessels From Its Ports Over Gaza Conflict
By Sebastian Strangio
The ban singled out ZIM Integrated Shipping Services Ltd., Israel’s largest shipping company, which has been permitted to dock at Malaysia's ports since 2002.
Italy and Vietnam Mark 50 Years of Diplomatic Relations
By Andrea Pezzati
Recent advances in the relationship reflect Rome’s increased strategic focus on the Indo-Pacific region.
Myanmar Resistance Forces Seize Another China Border Crossing
By Sebastian Strangio
The MNDAA's reported capture of the Yanlonkyaing border gate marks a further step toward its reconquest of the Kokang Self-Administered Zone in northern Shan State.
The Rise of Prabowo and the Return of Indonesia’s Old Elite
By Edward Parker
The former Suharto-era general is the leading candidate to become Indonesia's next president. Is the country on the brink of New Order 2.0?
Nguyen Phu Trong Would Find An Ally In Dickens
By David Hutt
The political vision of the Communist Party chief is built on a bedrock of Victorian moralism.
Residents in Western Indonesia Protest Mounting Rohingya Refugee Arrivals
By Sebastian Strangio
The protest in Aceh follows the arrival of more than 1,500 refugees, mostly women and children, since last month.
ASEAN, Japan Pledge to Boost Maritime Security Cooperation
By Sebastian Strangio
The two sides agreed to complement long-standing economic ties by promoting “a rules-based Indo-Pacific region."
Myanmar’s Bleak Economic Prospects Detailed in World Bank Report
By Luke Hunt
Economy deteriorates further as fighting escalates, blocking trade routes with China and other neighboring countries.
Myanmar Ethnic Alliance Continues Gains, Despite China-Brokered Ceasefire
By Sebastian Strangio
A day after Beijing announced the negotiated ceasefire, resistance forces were reported to have seized a key town and border trade zone.