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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.
China’s Belt and Road Initiative in Southeast Asia: The Next Decade
By Prashanth Parameswaran
A closer look at the future prospects of Beijing’s BRI in the region.
Prabowo Subianto Widens Lead in Latest Indonesia Election Polls
By Sebastian Strangio
Do the results suggest significant public support for the defense minister's appointment of President Joko Widodo's son as his running-mate?
How Will Thailand’s Foreign Policy Shift Under Srettha Thavisin?
By Prashanth Parameswaran
The country's traditional diplomatic finesse has been tested by domestic political upheaval and the rapidly shifting global strategic landscape.
Malaysia Commutes First Batch of Death Sentences Under New Law
By Sebastian Strangio
The 11 inmates are the first of more than 1,000 that have applied for reviews since the abolition of the mandatory death sentence in July.
Shan State Omen: Is Myanmar’s Junta Losing Control of the War?
By Drake Long
The military's long-standing policy of "divide and rule" is breaking down as ethnic resistance groups gain the upper hand across the country.
Prominent Duterte Critic Released on Bail in the Philippines
By Sebastian Strangio
Former Senator Leila De Lima has walked free on bail after nearly seven years in prison on charges that her supporters say were politically motivated.
Ceasefire Breach: Operation 1027 Shakes Western Myanmar
By Kyaw Hsan Hlaing
The opening of another major front in Rakhine State could be disastrous for the country's besieged and overextended junta.
Thailand’s High-Speed Railway: On the Fast Track to Ties With China, But at What Cost?
By Prem Singh Gill
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin has pledged to move the project forward after years of delays and sluggish progress.
Dozens of Chinese Ships Chase Philippine Vessels Near Disputed Shoal
By Jim Gomez and Joeal Calupitan
The confrontation was just the latest Chinese attempt to prevent the resupply of Second Thomas Shoal, a Philippine-occupied feature in the Spratly Islands.
Chinese Authorities Issue Arrest Warrants for Criminal Kingpins in Myanmar’s Kokang Region
By Sebastian Strangio
The issuing of the warrants offer the surest sign yet of Beijing's tacit support for the resistance offensive against the junta-aligned force in Kokang.
The Jakarta-Bandung High-Speed Railway: Indonesia’s Lessons Learned
By Blake H. Berger
It’s critical that future infrastructure projects – including an extension of the Jakarta-Bandung HSR – avoid the pitfalls that plagued the project.
Jokowi to Press Biden on Israel-Hamas War During White House Meeting
By Sebastian Strangio
The Indonesian leader, who will meet Joe Biden on Monday, says that he will press the U.S. president to bring the Israeli attacks on Gaza to an end.