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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.
Former Myanmar Information Minister Arrested Over Social Media Posts
By Sebastian Strangio
The arrest of the former army officer followed the imposition of heavy prison terms on two high-ranking members of the military government.
Myanmar Ethnic Armies Launch Major Offensive in Shan State
By Sebastian Strangio
The Three Brotherhood Alliance has launched coordinated attacks aimed at dislodging the junta and its allies from strategically important regions of Shan State bordering China.
Thailand’s Overlooked ‘Misstep’ in the Israel-Gaza War
By Tita Sanglee
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin's response to the hostage crisis has laid bare the lack of security and foreign policy expertise in his cabinet.
Philippines Drops Chinese Funding For Three Railway Projects
By Sebastian Strangio
The cancellations do not appear to be directly related to the ongoing tensions with China in the South China Sea.
Malaysia to Probe Social Media Firms For ‘Blocking’ Pro-Palestine Content
By Sebastian Strangio
Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil's warning comes two weeks after he blamed TikTok for failing to remove defamatory or misleading content from its platform.
Singaporeans Turn to Online Campaigns After Police Reject Application for Gaza Rally
By Robin Vochelet
Following a ban on public rallies related to Israel-Palestine, local activists are mobilizing online to demonstrate solidarity for the Palestinian cause.
Philippines to Take Multilateral Approach to South China Sea Tensions
By Sebastian Strangio
China's campaign of escalation against the Philippine-held Second Thomas Shoal will only strengthen Manila's ties with supportive outside powers.
Victims of Myanmar Junta File War Crimes Charges in Philippine Court
By Sebastian Strangio
The case, filed on behalf of five ethnic Chin complainants, is the latest in a string of attempts to bring the country's generals to justice in a foreign jurisdiction.
Philippines ‘Suspends’ Its Sovereign Investment Fund
By Mong Palatino
It is highly unusual for a government to cancel such a high-priority project. What prompted its decision?
The Burning of Thantlang, 2 Years On
By Lian Bawi Thang
Since military attacks in September 2021, the town in Myanmar's Chin State, close to the border with India, has become a ghost town.
A Bad Idea Revisited: Thailand Pitches Prayut’s ‘Land Bridge’ to Beijing
By Mark S. Cogan
The costly infrastructure project would damage the environment and create an unhealthy economic dependence on China.
Unpacking the Philippines’ 2024 Budget
By James Guild
Like last year, budget planners are placing a lot of faith in macroeconomic conditions remaining in the country's favor in 2024.