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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.
Vietnamese Communist Party Removes Former FM From Politburo
By Sebastian Strangio
Pham Binh Minh's removal came amid a crackdown on a wide-ranging corruption scandal involving COVID-19 repatriation flights.
Indonesia Approves First Phase of Key Offshore Gas Development
By Sebastian Strangio
Despite lying within the country's EEZ, the Tuna offshore oil and gas block lies within China's "nine-dash line" South China Sea claim.
ASEAN-EU Trade Deal is Still a Distant Dream
By Luke Hunt
Historic summit not helped by ASEAN disunity and its peculiarities.
Is Laos’ Prime Minister On His Way Out?
By David Hutt
Phankham Viphavanh, who took office in early 2021, may be on the way out -- hounded by scandal and a bad year for Laos’ economy.
Displaced from Myanmar: Can’t Go Back and Can’t Go Forward
By Evan Jones
Despite the sizeable numbers of refugees from Myanmar within Asia, the overall protection environment remains flimsy.
The Uneasy Road to an ASEAN-EU Digital Partnership
By Xirui Li
Creating a digital partnership with ASEAN is part of the EU’s 2021 Indo-Pacific Strategy. But that will face challenges, starting with human rights.
After 12 Years, Indonesia and Vietnam Agree on EEZ Boundaries
By Sebastian Strangio
The dispute had led to clashes over illegal fishing, and hamstrung the establishment of a united front against China's expansive claims in the South China Sea.
Vietnam Purges Foreign Ministry in Response to COVID-19 Repatriation Scandal
By Sebastian Strangio
Dozens of officials are accused of extracting extortionate fees from Vietnamese citizens stranded abroad during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Philippine Congress Approves Sovereign Wealth Fund Bill
By Mong Palatino
The planned Maharlika Investment Fund has attracted controversy, with critics claiming that it is unnecessary and is open to abuse.
UN Security Council Adopts Rare Resolution on Myanmar
By Sebastian Strangio
UNSC 2669 expressed the council's "deep concern" about the actions of the country's military government, and called for an immediate cessation of violence.
Thailand Rethinks the Teaching of History
By Tita Sanglee
Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha has spearheaded changes that will see history taught as a standalone core subject from 2024.
Manila Prepares to Overhaul Its Clean Water Infrastructure
By Adam Kiedrowski
The Philippine capital, one of the most densely populated cities in the world, has long struggled to supply clean water to its 12 million people.