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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.
January 20, 2021
For Indonesia, Chinese 5G Cooperation Brings Promise and Peril
By Muhammad Zulfikar Rakhmat and Yeta Purnama
Like many nations, Indonesia faces a difficult decision about how far to engage with China's Digital Silk Road.
January 20, 2021
With Severe Sentence, Thailand Deepens Its War on Critics of the Monarchy
By Sebastian Strangio
Thailand wields a controversial law in its attempt to stamp out a campaign of student-led protests.
January 20, 2021
Indonesia, Malaysia Step Up Palm Oil Lobbying: Report
By Sebastian Strangio
The increased lobbying effort reflects the increasingly negative perceptions of the industry.
January 20, 2021
Thai Court Gives Record 43-year Sentence for Insulting King
By Associated Press
A woman was found guilty of violating the lese majeste law for posting audio clips to Facebook and YouTube with comments deemed critical of the monarchy.
January 19, 2021
Singaporean University Publisher Accused of Bowing to Political Pressure
By Sebastian Strangio
The editor of a ditched anthology of essays on Thai politics has called for an academic boycott on the National University of Singapore Press.
January 18, 2021
Cambodian Exile Return Bid Crashes Into Visa Hurdle
By Sebastian Strangio
The attempt nonetheless succeeded in drawing international attention to the repression inside the country.
January 18, 2021
Chinese-Funded Railway to Link Former US Bases in the Philippines
By Sebastian Strangio
But we should treat the announcement with caution, given that few promised Chinese infrastructure projects have yet eventuated.
January 18, 2021
In Laos, Reform Hopes Peter Out Into Business as Usual
By David Hutt
The Lao communist party's newly selected General Secretary Thongloun Sisoulith once promised change. Now he sits atop a closed and sclerotic system.
January 15, 2021
Earthquake Sets off Landslides, Flattens Homes in Indonesia
By Associated Press
At least 10 people have so far been confirmed dead and more than 200 injured.
January 14, 2021
Why Indonesia Won’t Recognize Israel — At Least For Now
By Sebastian Strangio
Domestic political factors make it much harder for Indonesia to follow in the footsteps of Arab states like Morocco and Sudan.
January 14, 2021
Indonesia Beefs Up Its Natuna Island Patrols: Report
By Sebastian Strangio
The move seeks to deter Chinese incursions, while preserving important areas of cooperation between Jakarta and Beijing.
January 14, 2021
In the Face of Criticism, Laos Pushes Ahead With Four Mekong Dams
By Luke Hunt
But costs and competition could leave the putative "battery of Southeast Asia" running on empty.
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