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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.
Singapore’s Ex-Transport Minister Charged With 27 Offenses, Including Corruption
By Sebastian Strangio
The graft case against S Iswaran is the first against a Singaporean cabinet member in nearly four decades.
Thai Prison Officials Again Defend Treatment of Jailed Former PM
By Sebastian Strangio
Amid claims of preferential treatment, the Department of Corrections says that its refusal to refer to Thaksin Shinawatra as an "inmate" is standard practice.
China Warns Philippines Over President Marcos’ Taiwan Remarks
By Sebastian Strangio
The Chinese Foreign Ministry claimed that the Philippine leader's message of congratulation to Lai Ching-te was "a serious violation of the One China principle."
Philippine President Congratulates Lai Ching-te on Election as Taiwan’s President
By Sebastian Strangio
Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s statement, which is sure to irk Beijing, reflects Manila's recent moves toward greater unofficial engagement with Taipei.
Philippines to Upgrade South China Sea Outposts, Military Chief Says
By Sebastian Strangio
Desalination machines and communications upgrades are slated for the nine features that Manila occupies in the contested waterway.
Is Vietnam Entering Uncharted Waters?
By Carl Thayer
The recent prolonged absence of General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong raised the question of how the Communist Party might deal with a leader's incapacitation or death.
Cambodian PM Sacks City Mayor Amid Firings and Demotions
By Luke Hunt
Diplomats posted to Phnom Penh expect the new leader's bureaucratic shake-out to continue.
Indonesian President Discusses Maritime Tensions, Economy on Vietnam Trip
By Sebastian Strangio
President Joko Widodo's state visit came in the middle of a Southeast Asian tour that also involved stops in the Philippines and Brunei.
Myanmar Military Breaks China-Brokered Ceasefire, Resistance Groups Say
By Sebastian Strangio
The collapse of the agreement brokered in Kunming on Friday demonstrates the limits of Chinese influence in northern Myanmar.
Southeast Asia Likes Polarization – and That’s Not a Bad Thing
By David Hutt
The region's problem is not that there is too much political contestation, but rather that there is not enough.
Thailand Extends Hospital Stay of Jailed Former PM Thaksin
By Sebastian Strangio
The former leader has been in hospital since returning from self-exile and beginning a prison term for abuse of power in August.
Malaysia, Singapore Agree to New SEZ to Boost Border Trade
By Sebastian Strangio
The planned SEZ is just one of a range of initiatives designed to tighten the economic integration between the two countries.