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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.
ASEAN Summits Highlight Familiar Shortcomings
By Sebastian Strangio
The bloc managed to adopt stronger language on the conflict in Myanmar, but remains adrift in the South China Sea.
Press Watchdogs Condemn Myanmar Photojournalist’s ‘Grotesque’ Imprisonment
By Sebastian Strangio
Photographer Sai Zaw Thaike was sentenced to 20 years in prison, the harshest term handed down against any journalist since the 2021 coup.
Why the Philippines Needs to Work With the Pacific Island Nations
By Rej Cortez Torrecampo and Karla S. Cruz
In an increasingly complex geopolitical environment, Manila has good reasons to develop relations with other archipelagic states, including those to its south and east.
Indonesian Money Laundering Case Harks Back To Asian Financial Crisis
By Aisyah Llewellyn
In Indonesia, money laundering is hard to prosecute. But in the case against disgraced tax official Rafael Alun Trisambodo, prosecutors have seemingly found an open and shut case.
Indonesia’s ASEAN Chairmanship Could Make or Break the Bloc
By Virdika Rizky Utama
During its year at the helm, Jakarta has an opportunity to reset the trajectory for itself and the entire ASEAN bloc.
New Thai Government Readies Populist Economic Measures
By Sebastian Strangio
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin is expected to announce a range of inducements, including debt moratoriums and energy subsidies.
Chinese Premier Seeks to Calm South China Sea Concerns
By Sebastian Strangio
During a meeting with ASEAN counterparts, Li Qiang implied that China and rival claimants could address outstanding disputes without the involvement of outside powers.
ASEAN Tweaks Its Approach Toward Military-Ruled Myanmar
By Sebastian Strangio
The Southeast Asian bloc has taken a number of small but important steps forward in its handling of the country's crisis.
Thailand’s New Government Takes Office After Being Sworn-in
By Sebastian Strangio
As a product of political compromise, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin's cabinet contains a number of familiar faces.
Singapore’s New President Does Not Imply a Mandate for the PAP
By Kazimier Lim
Tharman Shanmugaratnam's landslide victory may seem like an endorsement of the ruling People's Action Party (PAP), but is better seen as a reflection of his personal popularity.
Military-Ruled Myanmar Won’t Be Allowed to Lead ASEAN in 2026
By Niniek Karmini and Jim Gomez
Myanmar's top generals were again barred from attending this year's summit, and now the decision has been made to retract their hosting privileges for 2026.
The Post-Coup Rise of Myanmar’s Ta’ang National Liberation Army
By Sebastian Strangio
Since the coup, the TNLA has become central to the fluid conflict dynamics of northern Shan State, according to a new report.