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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.
Jokowi Says Indonesia Will Bid to Host 2036 Olympics in New Capital
By Sebastian Strangio
Like the new capital project, the bid reflects the Indonesian leader's ambition to leave a lasting impression on his country.
G-20 Leaders End Meeting Condemning War But Note Divisions
By Adam Schreck
The careful wording of the final G-20 summit declaration reflected the challenge that the U.S. and its allies face in isolating Vladimir Putin's Russia.
Philippines Registers ‘Sharpest Ever’ Decline in Birthrate
By Sebastian Strangio
The Catholic-majority country now has a birthrate of just 1.9 children per adult woman, the third-lowest in Southeast Asia.
US to Spend $66 Million to Upgrade Philippine Security Facilities
By Sebastian Strangio
The announcement comes ahead of a visit by Vice President Kamala Harris to the island of Palawan, adjacent to the disputed Spratly Islands.
Media Watchdog Nominates Southeast Asian Journalists for Annual Prize
By Sebastian Strangio
Han Thar Nyein of Myanmar and Lady Ann Salem of the Philippines have been shortlisted for their efforts to hold corrupt and repressive governments to account.
Commemorative ASEAN Summit Watches Cost $500,000, Cambodian PM Says
By Sebastian Strangio
Hun Sen commissioned the 25 luxury tourbillon watches in order to showcase his country's “scientific and technical progress.”
Over-Indebtedness and Healthcare Financing in Cambodia
By Vouchnea Tang
Despite the country's social healthcare provisions, medical debts remain a leading cause of destitution.
German Chancellor Calls for Deeper Trade Ties With Vietnam
By Sebastian Strangio
Olaf Scholz flagged Vietnam as an important future partner in his government's plan to reduce Germany's economic reliance on China.
Ukraine War, US-China Tensions Set to Predominate at G-20 Summit
By Sebastian Strangio
Despite President Putin's absence, the November 15-16 summit will be marked by growing political and strategic divisions.
Global Leaders Grapple With Global Challenges During Cambodia Summits
By Luke Hunt
Divided they came and divided they left for the G-20 Leaders' Summit in Bali.
Indonesia’s Reluctant Statesman
By Sribala Subramanian
Europe’s bloodshed and fossil fuel politics are not Joko Widodo’s cup of tea.
Thai PM Could Jump to New Party Ahead of 2023 Election
By Sebastian Strangio
Prayut Chan-o-cha is being courted by the newly formed Ruam Thai Sang Chart party, which was founded last year by one of his advisors.