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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.
Cambodia Defends Closure of Independent Media Outlet Amid International Outcry
By Sebastian Strangio
The closure of Voice of Democracy has prompted a wave of condemnations from Western governments. Will actions follow?
Philippines Accuses Chinese Vessel of Using Laser Against Coast Guard
By Sebastian Strangio
The alleged incident took place close to Second Thomas Shoal in a disputed part of the South China Sea.
Cambodian News Organization Closes Following PM Hun Sen’s Order
By Sebastian Strangio
The leader accused Voice of Democracy, one of the country's few independent news sources, of harming the "dignity and reputation" of the Cambodian government.
Chevron Exits Myanmar After Finalizing Sale of Yadana Stake
By Sebastian Strangio
The U.S. oil major has announced the sale of its 41.1 percent interest in the Yadana offshore gas field to Canada's MTI.
Is the Communist Party of Vietnam Set to Establish a ‘Core Leadership’ Position?
By Hai Hong Nguyen
The consolidation of power under communist party chief Nguyen Phu Trong has some striking parallels to past patterns in Chinese politics.
Recent Arrest Puts Jemaah Islamiyah Back in the Spotlight
By Rakyan Adibrata and Jasminder Singh
An arrest last year demonstrates that JI's network has expanded considerably, despite the extremist group's recent period of dormancy.
Malaysian PM Anwar Calls for Progress on Southern Thailand, Myanmar Conflicts
By Sebastian Strangio
The Malaysian leader said peace in southern Thailand was "paramount," but that his country “will not condone any sort of violence to resolve any conflict.”
How India Betrayed the Rakhine People – And Why It Matters Today
By Kyaw Hsan Hlaing
25 years ago this week, India's army crushed an incipient Rakhine separatist force in the Andaman Islands. In western Myanmar, memories of the incident linger.
Vietnam’s Anti-Corruption Drive Can Never Go Far Enough
By David Hutt
In centralizing power to fight graft, Nguyen Phu Trong has created a system in which corruption has an even greater chance of flourishing once he’s gone.
Philippine President Marcos Embarks on 4-Day Visit to Japan
By Sebastian Strangio
The trip will focus on strengthening longstanding economic relations and expanding the two nations' more recent cooperation on defense and security matters.
Thailand’s Military Modernization Again in the Spotlight Following Trade Deficit Report
By Tita Sanglee
Recent procurements have revived long-standing questions about poor communication and wasteful spending.
It’s Time to Re-evaluate the Myanmar Military’s Intelligence Capabilities
By Amara Thiha
Recently leaked documents suggest that intelligence operatives have successfully managed to infiltrate the anti-junta resistance.