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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.
Two Malaysian Men Sentenced to 23 Years Prison For Bali Bombing
By Aisyah Llewellyn
However, the sentences given to Mohammed Farik bin Amin and Mohammed Nazir bin Lep are far from the full story.
Myanmar Court Sets March Auction for Imprisoned Leader’s Villa
By Sebastian Strangio
The lakeside villa, where Aung San Suu Kyi spent more than 15 years under house arrest, will go under the hammer on March 20.
Reviewing Thailand-Germany Ties in Light of President Steinmeier’s Visit
By Tita Sanglee
While relations have developed in a low key manner, the two nations share more than a little in common.
Censorship, AI, Disinformation, and Repression Undermine Asia’s Elections
By Mong Palatino
Old forms of repression, fortified by new technologies, have altered the political atmosphere across the region.
The Myanmar Junta: Live by the Gun, Die by the Gun?
By Rahman Yaacob
Current trends suggest Myanmar’s military regime will be toppled the same way it came to power: through the use of force.
India Mulls an End to Myanmar Free Movement Border Zone
By Luke Hunt
The development comes at a time that the junta is struggling with a forced recruitment campaign.
Philippines Military to Provide ‘Unimpeded’ Access to Sea Resources, Defense Chief Says
By Sebastian Strangio
The new "comprehensive archipelagic defense concept" will seek to secure Manila's access to resources lying within its Exclusive Economic Zone, including in the South China Sea.
Thai Constitutional Court Clears MFP Leader of Breaching Election Law
By Sebastian Strangio
Pita Limjaroenrat, the leader of the Move Forward Party, can rejoin Parliament – but more legal challenges loom.
Rohingya Ocean Death Toll Worst in Nearly a Decade, UN Says
By Sebastian Strangio
Deteriorating conditions in the refugee camps of Bangladesh are pushing increasing numbers of people to take their chances on dangerous sea voyages.
Cambodia Microfinance Association Findings Mark Retreat From Poverty Reduction Claims
By David Whitehouse
The country's recent microcredit boom has highlighted the wide gap between the theory of microfinance and its reality.
Philippine President Says He Won’t ‘Lift a Finger’ to Help ICC Probe
By Sebastian Strangio
The International Criminal Court is investigating the extrajudicial killings that occurred on the watch of former President Rodrigo Duterte.
Situating the Battle of the Paracel Islands in Modern Vietnam-China Relations
By Khang Vu
Good relations with China have necessitated the downplaying of past conflicts by both countries.