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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.
Philippine Sex Education Bill Is ‘Woke and Abhorrent,’ President Says
By Ben Sturt
The proposed Adolescent Pregnancy Prevention Act has come under fire from President Marcos, despite the country’s alarming teenage pregnancy rates.
Philippine Troops to Train With US Missile System Next Month, Army Says
By Sebastian Strangio
The Typhon intermediate-range missile system has been present in the country since joint military drills in April 2024.
Thailand’s Prime Minister Paetongtarn to Visit China Next Week
By Sebastian Strangio
The Thai leader says that the discussions with Xi Jinping will focus on online scamming operations, tourism, and air pollution.
Vietnam’s Bureaucratic ‘Revolution’: Rationales and Challenges
By Duong Thi Thuy Pham and Mai Truong
Communist Party chief To Lam's unprecedented institutional streamlining is designed to bolster Vietnam's competitiveness – but it could come at a cost.
China Detains Suspected ‘Major’ Trafficking Suspect With Thai Assistance
By Sebastian Strangio
The suspect was wanted in connection with the high-profile kidnapping of the Chinese actor Wang Xing earlier this month.
Obituary: François Ponchaud, French Missionary Who Alerted the World to the Khmer Rouge
By David Whitehouse
Ponchaud's 1977 book "Cambodge, année zero" was one of the first detailed accounts of the horrors that unfolded after the communist takeover.
Churches, Protests, and Policymaking in the Philippines
By Mong Palatino
Recent interventions by Catholic organizations are set to shape the course of this year's mid-term elections.
Bridging Divides: Malaysia’s Middle Power Diplomacy in ASEAN’s Future
By Khoo Ying Hooi
In a world increasingly defined by great power rivalries, Malaysia’s position as a middle power within ASEAN has never been more critical.
What’s Next for India-Indonesia Ties?
By Rishi Gupta
Indonesian President Prabowo was the chief guest at India’s 75th Republic Day – a testament to growing strategic ties.
What BRICS Membership Means For Indonesia’s Foreign Policy
By Agastya Wardhana and Radityo Dharmaputra
President Prabowo Subianto's about-turn on membership of the economic grouping is about status rather than material gains.
Hundreds of Same-Sex Couples Wed as Thailand’s Marriage Equality Bill Comes Into Effect
By Sebastian Strangio
Pop-up marriage booths were set up in Bangkok and other Thai cities to handle the eager backlog of couples.
Cambodian PM Says Government Not Behind Lim Kimya’s Assassination
By Luke Hunt
Hun Manet urges calm as investigations into the killing continue in Thailand.