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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.
A Chin Village’s Unique Protest Against the Military Junta in Myanmar
By Rajeev Bhattacharyya
Villagers are expanding a hydropower project on their own to show that they are not dependent on the regime in Naypyidaw.
Three Candidates Approved to Run in Singaporean Presidential Election
By Sebastian Strangio
Six candidates applied to run for the mostly ceremonial post, but only three met the city-state's stringent criteria.
Who Promised to Remove the Grounded Philippine Ship on Second Thomas Shoal?
By Mong Palatino
Government officials, including two former presidents, have denied Beijing's claim that Manila made an agreement to remove the ship from the disputed shoal.
The Rise and Rise of Malaysia’s Nationalist Right-Wing
By Aizat Shamsuddin
This month's state elections saw broad electoral gains for the Malay nationalist PN coalition, the result of years of far-right rhetoric and organizing.
China’s Educational Soft Power Is Seeing Results in Indonesia
By Azis Anwar Fahcrodin
Generous government scholarships have generated positive impressions of China – and even an impulse to defend its policies in the face of Western criticism.
Thailand’s Pheu Thai Party Joins With Former Rival to Form Government
By Sebastian Strangio
The marriage of convenience between Pheu Thai and the United Thai Nation Party reflects the stunning political realignment that has occurred since May's general election.
Philippine Foreign Secretary Calls for China to Reduce Tensions in South China Sea
By Sebastian Strangio
Enrique Manalo's comments come at a time of growing tension over Second Thomas Shoal, a Philippine-occupied atoll in the Spratly Islands.
How ASEAN Can Win Its War Against Illegal and Unregulated Fishing
By Asmiati Malik
The Southeast Asian bloc has pledged to tackle the issue, but resources and coordination are lacking.
Thailand’s Constitutional Court Rejects Move Forward Petition Challenging Parliamentary Vote
By Sebastian Strangio
The court's decision has paved the way for Parliament to convene on August 22 to select a prime minister.
Indonesia Submits Plan on How it Will Spend $20 Billion on Clean Energy Transition
By Victoria Milko
The Just Energy Transition Partnership aims to accelerate the country's transition to renewable energy over the coming decade.
Myanmar to Relinquish ASEAN Chairmanship in 2026, Report Claims
By Sebastian Strangio
The country's next chairmanship looms as a possible point of rupture for the Southeast Asian bloc.
Renewed Debates over the Safety of Lorry Rides for Singapore’s Migrant Workers
By Robin Vochelet
A recent series of road accidents has once again raised questions about the treatment of the city-state's large population of foreign laborers.