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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.
Is Myanmar’s Civil War Pushing the Country Toward Fragmentation?
By Kyaw Hsan Hlaing
Resistance forces now face the challenge of building an ethnically inclusive and democratic state, something that no government in Myanmar has ever achieved.
Finding a Fix for Indonesia’s Data Protection Problems
By Arif Perdana and Saru Arifin
Addressing data breaches and government surveillance misuse requires a balanced approach that respects national security and individual privacy.
Philippine President Vows to Defend Territory After Latest Maritime Clash
By Sebastian Strangio
In two separate incidents over the weekend, Chinese vessels collided with and used water cannons against Philippine ships in contested parts of the South China Sea.
US, UK, Canada Sanctions Target Southeast Asian Scam Operations
By Sebastian Strangio
The coordinated sanctions have been imposed on those responsible for major criminal operations in Laos, Cambodia, and Myanmar.
Indonesia Announces Visa Waivers In Order To Boost Tourism
By Sebastian Strangio
The country has joined Singapore, Thailand, and Malaysia in loosening entry regulations amid the region's sluggish tourism recovery.
China’s Leader Xi Jinping to Visit Vietnam Next Week
By Sebastian Strangio
The trip comes on the heels of the Vietnamese government's significant diplomatic upgrades with the United States and Japan.
John McBeth, Asia’s Longest Serving Foreign Correspondent, Dies at 79
By Luke Hunt
McBeth was a standard bearer for big stories, honest and fair reportage.
Indonesians and Malaysians Keep Gaza in Their Prayers
By Sribala Subramanian
For Southeast Asia's Muslims, support for Palestine is rooted in national identity.
Thailand on Track to Meet Tourism Target for 2023, Government Says
By Sebastian Strangio
The Tourism Authority of Thailand expects up to 28 million people to have visited the country by the end of this year.
How Will Indonesia Handle the Growing Number of Refugee Arrivals?
By Sebastian Strangio
Jakarta is now pondering more permanent solutions to the increasing number of Rohingya refugees arriving in Aceh.
From Populist Pariah to ‘Jokowi’s Man’: Analyzing Prabowo Subianto’s Political Transformation
By Angus Lam
The gruff former general has undergone a political makeover. But are the changes any more than skin deep?
Laos Deports 462 Chinese Nationals as Scamming Crackdown Spreads
By Sebastian Strangio
Under pressure from China, mainland Southeast Asian governments are finally taking action against the region's cyberscam scourge. But will it be enough?