Blog
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.
Indonesia’s New Diplomatic Playbook: ASEAN on Hold, NAM in Limbo, Giants Ahead
By Xue Song
President Prabowo Subianto has initiated a discernible tilt away from regional engagement toward major-power diplomacy.
Thai Police Issue Arrest Warrant For Cambodian Linked to Former MP’s Killing
By Sebastian Strangio
Like the other Cambodian national wanted in connection with the murder, Ly Ratanakrasmey, 43, has links to the Cambodian government.
The Politics of ‘Ayuda’ in the Philippines
By Mong Palatino
Government funds intended for the poor are often used by politicians as a form of political patronage.
Vietnam Signs Nuclear Cooperation Deal With Russian Government
By Sebastian Strangio
Hanoi is restarting its civilian nuclear program nearly a decade after canceling it over cost and safety concerns.
Philippines Protests Fresh Chinese Deployments at Disputed Shoal
By Sebastian Strangio
2025 is shaping up as another year of friction and contention in disputed parts of the South China Sea.
Myanmar Military Launches Air Strikes on Kachin, Rakhine, Shan States
By Sebastian Strangio
2025 seems set to continue last year's sharp increase in the number of retaliatory air and artillery attacks on resistance-held territories.
Thai Cabinet Approves Draft Law Legalizing Gambling
By Sebastian Strangio
Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra's government says that legal casinos will bolster further the recovery of the country's tourism sector.
Killer of Ex-Cambodian MP Won’t Reveal Who Ordered Assassination, Thai Police Say
By Sebastian Strangio
Ekkalak Pheanoi, a former Thai marine, was extradited from Cambodia and questioned by Bangkok police on Saturday.
Malaysia’s Anwar Denies Covering Up Document Permitting Ex-Leader’s House Arrest
By Sebastian Strangio
Najib Razak claims that an unpublished royal order permits him to serve the remainder of his corruption-related sentence at home.
Singapore Should Intervene in the Region’s Online Scam Industry
By David Hutt
The Singaporean government wants to intervene in the bank accounts of its own citizens but not in the scam industries of neighboring countries.
Japan, Malaysia Pledge to Strengthen Economic, Security Ties
By Sebastian Strangio
Prime Minister Ishiba Shigeru is visiting Malaysia and Indonesia on his first bilateral state visit since taking office.
Vietnam Deserves More than a Football Crown in Southeast Asia
By Hai Hong Nguyen
The country's recent ASEAN football championship success could soon be matched by achievements in the economic realm.