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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.
Thailand-China Railway Project Should Be Expedited, Chinese FM Says
By Sebastian Strangio
The high-speed rail line, which would connect Bangkok to a recently completed line in Laos, has been hampered by delays.
Ex-Philippine Leader Duterte Accuses Marcos of Plotting to Tighten His Grip on Power
By Jim Gomez
The rivalry between the two leaders has broken into the open amid mutual accusations of drug abuse.
How Southeast Asia Responded to Taiwan’s Election
By Bunly Ek
With a couple of exceptions, the region has been cautious, careful to preserve its beneficial economic relationship with both Taipei and Beijing.
Former Malaysian Finance Minister Latest to be Charged in Corruption Probe
By Sebastian Strangio
Daim Zainuddin, a former close associate of ex-PM Mahathir Mohamad, has been accused of failing to declare millions of dollars worth of assets.
Myanmar, South China Sea Conflicts Top Agenda as ASEAN Foreign Ministers Meet
By David Rising
The foreign minister of Laos, this year’s ASEAN chair, expressed cautious optimism about the potential for progress in 2024.
Two Malaysian Men Sentenced to 23 Years Prison For Bali Bombing
By Aisyah Llewellyn
However, the sentences given to Mohammed Farik bin Amin and Mohammed Nazir bin Lep are far from the full story.
Myanmar Junta Sends Representative to ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting
By Sebastian Strangio
Marlar Than Htaik, the permanent secretary of the junta's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, is attending this week's two-day retreat in Laos.
Myanmar Court Sets March Auction for Imprisoned Leader’s Villa
By Sebastian Strangio
The lakeside villa, where Aung San Suu Kyi spent more than 15 years under house arrest, will go under the hammer on March 20.
Reviewing Thailand-Germany Ties in Light of President Steinmeier’s Visit
By Tita Sanglee
While relations have developed in a low key manner, the two nations share more than a little in common.
Censorship, AI, Disinformation, and Repression Undermine Asia’s Elections
By Mong Palatino
Old forms of repression, fortified by new technologies, have altered the political atmosphere across the region.
The Myanmar Junta: Live by the Gun, Die by the Gun?
By Rahman Yaacob
Current trends suggest Myanmar’s military regime will be toppled the same way it came to power: through the use of force.
India Mulls an End to Myanmar Free Movement Border Zone
By Luke Hunt
The development comes at a time that the junta is struggling with a forced recruitment campaign.