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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.
The Philippines Is Exercising Growing Agency on the Taiwan Issue
By Joshua Bernard Espeña
As maritime frictions with China grow, the Marcos administration is becoming more proactive in engaging Taipei.
Philippines Again Condemns ‘Provocative’ Chinese Actions in South China Sea
By Sebastian Strangio
The condemnation came after the Philippine Coast Guard reported another incident in the vicinity of Scarborough Shoal on January 12.
Ex-Malaysian PM Mahathir Accuses Government of Prosecuting Its Rivals
By Eileen Ng
The former leader's claims came a week after his eldest son was ordered to hand over information to anti-graft investigators.
Rohingya Refugees and the Shifting Tide in Indonesia
By HuiYin Chuah and Jennifer Vallentine
Aceh’s growing hostility toward Rohingya arrivals proves that international, regional, and federal support is essential for sustainable community-driven responses.
Charter Change Bid Moves Forward in the Philippines
By Mong Palatino
A push is afoot to amend the Constitution introduced after the 1986 People Power uprising, a move that is likely to deepen political polarization.
Is Indonesia’s Largest Islamic Organization Compromising Its Political Neutrality?
By Virdika Rizky Utama
Leading members of Nahdlatul Ulama have become actively involved in the campaigning for next month's election, straining the group's traditional impartiality.
Prabowo’s Lead Holds Steady in Latest Indonesia Election Poll
By Sebastian Strangio
Support for former Jakarta governor Anies Baswedan is building, setting up a potentially interesting run-off election in June.
Cannabis Crunch: Thailand’s Sudden Reversal on Marijuana Legalization
By Prem Singh Gill
The country is tightening its laws on marijuana use, just 18 months after becoming the first Southeast Asian nation to legalize the drug.
Singapore’s Ex-Transport Minister Charged With 27 Offenses, Including Corruption
By Sebastian Strangio
The graft case against S Iswaran is the first against a Singaporean cabinet member in nearly four decades.
Thai Activist Gets More Prison Time For Insulting King
By Sebastian Strangio
Arnon Nampa, a prominent leader of the mass protests of late 2020, faces 14 charges under the country's draconian lese-majeste law.
Thai Prison Officials Again Defend Treatment of Jailed Former PM
By Sebastian Strangio
Amid claims of preferential treatment, the Department of Corrections says that its refusal to refer to Thaksin Shinawatra as an "inmate" is standard practice.
China Warns Philippines Over President Marcos’ Taiwan Remarks
By Sebastian Strangio
The Chinese Foreign Ministry claimed that the Philippine leader's message of congratulation to Lai Ching-te was "a serious violation of the One China principle."