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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.

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How a UNHCR Employee Died After Being Tortured by Myanmar’s Military

How a UNHCR Employee Died After Being Tortured by Myanmar’s Military

By Rajeev Bhattacharyya
The military and the mobs it supports are targeting local and global NGOs and their workers in Buthidaung town in Rakhine State.
Vietnam, France Announce Establishment of Comprehensive Strategic Partnership

Vietnam, France Announce Establishment of Comprehensive Strategic Partnership

By Sebastian Strangio
France has become the eighth nation, and the fifth in the past two years, to rise to the top of Hanoi's diplomatic hierarchy.

Ahead of Summit, ASEAN Again Prepares to Grapple with Myanmar Conundrum

Ahead of Summit, ASEAN Again Prepares to Grapple with Myanmar Conundrum

By Sebastian Strangio
The past year has seen significant changes in the dynamics of the country's conflict. Will ASEAN's approach shift accordingly?

Competing Sectarianisms in Malaysia

Competing Sectarianisms in Malaysia

By Aizat Shamsuddin
A new bill seeks to tighten Islamic orthodoxies, imperiling the country's reputation for religious tolerance and inclusion.

Will Prabowo’s Election End Indonesia’s Era Reformasi?

Will Prabowo’s Election End Indonesia’s Era Reformasi?

By Paul Marshall
The current situation has some disturbing parallels to pre-1998 Indonesia, especially given Prabowo’s connections to Suharto.
Philippines Says It Is ‘Monitoring’ Media Reports of Covert Foreign Ops

Philippines Says It Is ‘Monitoring’ Media Reports of Covert Foreign Ops

By Sebastian Strangio
A new Al Jazeera documentary advances claims that Alice Guo, a former Philippine mayor, worked as a spy for the Chinese government.

Midterm Elections and the Prospect of Impeachment in the Philippines

Midterm Elections and the Prospect of Impeachment in the Philippines

By Mong Palatino
As registrations for next year's midterm elections begins, momentum is growing for an impeachment of Vice President Sara Duterte.
Indonesia, Malaysia Welcome Proposed Delay to EU Deforestation Regulation

Indonesia, Malaysia Welcome Proposed Delay to EU Deforestation Regulation

By Sebastian Strangio
The two nations have lobbied against Brussels' law, which would have increased scrutiny of their palm oil exports to European countries.

Former Singaporean Transport Minister Sentenced to 12 Months in Prison

Former Singaporean Transport Minister Sentenced to 12 Months in Prison

By Sebastian Strangio
S Iswaran pleaded guilty to accepting more than S$400,000 in valuable gifts from businessmen who had dealings with the government.

Why Have No Southeast Asian Leaders Won the Nobel Peace Prize?

Why Have No Southeast Asian Leaders Won the Nobel Peace Prize?

By Ahmad Syarif
The region's Nobel laureates have all been non-state actors whose advocacy has aligned with the narratives of Western powers.

Vietnam Protests ‘Brutal’ Chinese Attack on Fishermen in Paracel Islands

Vietnam Protests ‘Brutal’ Chinese Attack on Fishermen in Paracel Islands

By Sebastian Strangio
Beijing claims that the Vietnamese fishing boat was operating illegally in Chinese waters, and that its actions caused "no injuries."
Rights Orgs, Press Freedom Groups Call for Release of Cambodian Journalist

Rights Orgs, Press Freedom Groups Call for Release of Cambodian Journalist

By Sebastian Strangio
Mech Dara, who has earned global plaudits for his work on online scam syndicates, has been charged with "incitement" over a series of social media posts.

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