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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 Will Chinese Investors Navigate Indonesia’s Post-election Risks?
By Ahmad Syarif
Chinese firms, which have established good relations with President Joko Widodo's cabinet, are quietly putting out feelers ahead of the changeover of administration.
10 Years After It Vanished, Will Malaysia Restart the Search for MH370?
By Eileen Ng
The Malaysian Airlines flight disappeared a decade ago and was never found. Here's what we know about one of aviation's biggest mysteries.
Singapore Says Swift Is Mine, Upsetting Its Neighbors
By Thanapat Pekanan
Taylor Swift is playing six concerts in Singapore. That’s causing discontent in other Southeast Asia nations, which missed out.
Vietnam Opens Trial in $12.5 Billion Corruption Case
By Sebastian Strangio
Truong My Lan, the head of a Ho Chi Minh City-based real estate firm, faces charges, along with 84 associates and alleged accomplices.
Philippine Legislators Mull ‘Economic Charter Change’
By Mong Palatino
Political divisions are opening up over a plan to overhaul the 1987 Constitution to allow more foreign ownership in local industries.
Singapore’s PM Defends Taylor Swift Exclusivity Arrangement
By Rod McGuirk
Lee Hsien Loong did not reveal the cost of the deal, which was paid for from a government fund established to rebuild tourism after the COVID-19 pandemic.
Chinese and Philippine Coast Guard Vessels Again Collide in Contested Waters
By Sebastian Strangio
The reported collision came as the maritime disputes dominated discussions at a regional summit in Australia.
What Do We Mean When We Talk About Southeast Asia’s Demographics ‘Crisis’?
By David Hutt
The nations of the region are all experiencing shrinking workforces and rising life expectancy – in some cases at the same time.
Thai Court Acquits Former PM Yingluck Shinawatra Over Government Funds
By Sebastian Strangio
Yingluck, who served as prime minister from 2011 to 2014, is benefiting from the reconciliation between the Pheu Thai Party and the country's conservative establishment.
Laos Faces a Delicate Balancing Act as ASEAN Leader
By Ratih Indraswari
How Vientiane approaches its obligations to ASEAN and its debt to China will be a key to the bloc’s fortunes in 2024.
Philippine FM Urges Regional Unity on South China Sea Disputes
By Rod McGuirk
Enrique Manalo's comments were delivered on the first day of the ASEAN-Australia Special Summit in Melbourne.
Myanmar’s Military Is Playing a Dangerous Game in Rakhine State
By Kyaw Lynn
The army's reported plan to conscript Rohingya civilians could worsen the region's already fragile ethnic relations.