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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.
Philippines to Upgrade South China Sea Outposts, Military Chief Says
By Sebastian Strangio
Desalination machines and communications upgrades are slated for the nine features that Manila occupies in the contested waterway.
Is Vietnam Entering Uncharted Waters?
By Carl Thayer
The recent prolonged absence of General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong raised the question of how the Communist Party might deal with a leader's incapacitation or death.
Cambodian PM Sacks City Mayor Amid Firings and Demotions
By Luke Hunt
Diplomats posted to Phnom Penh expect the new leader's bureaucratic shake-out to continue.
Indonesian President Discusses Maritime Tensions, Economy on Vietnam Trip
By Sebastian Strangio
President Joko Widodo's state visit came in the middle of a Southeast Asian tour that also involved stops in the Philippines and Brunei.
Myanmar Military Breaks China-Brokered Ceasefire, Resistance Groups Say
By Sebastian Strangio
The collapse of the agreement brokered in Kunming on Friday demonstrates the limits of Chinese influence in northern Myanmar.
Southeast Asia Likes Polarization – and That’s Not a Bad Thing
By David Hutt
The region's problem is not that there is too much political contestation, but rather that there is not enough.
Thailand Extends Hospital Stay of Jailed Former PM Thaksin
By Sebastian Strangio
The former leader has been in hospital since returning from self-exile and beginning a prison term for abuse of power in August.
Malaysia, Singapore Agree to New SEZ to Boost Border Trade
By Sebastian Strangio
The planned SEZ is just one of a range of initiatives designed to tighten the economic integration between the two countries.
ASEAN and Japan: Challenges Present in the New Vision Statement
By OBA Mie
The relationship is evolving.
New ASEAN Envoy on Myanmar Meets Junta Chief on First Mission
By Sebastian Strangio
Alounkeo Kittikhoun is undertaking his first mission to Myanmar after taking up the rotating post at the start of this month.
Security Cooperation Tops Agenda as Marcos and Jokowi Meet in Manila
By Sebastian Strangio
The Philippine leader also raised the case of Mary Jane Veloso, a Filipina migrant worker on death row in Indonesia on drug charges.
Malaysia and Indonesia Are Links in Iran’s Drone Supply Chain
By Sribala Subramanian
Companies based in the two countries are part of an "illicit procurement network" that has been targeted by U.S. sanctions.