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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.
To Counter China, India Should Support Myanmar’s Pro-democracy Movement
By Jordan Eriksson
There is no scenario in which the military junta’s planned election will favor India's interests in Myanmar over China's.
Philippine Military Claims ‘Increased Chinese Movements’ at Second Thomas Shoal
By Sebastian Strangio
The deployment to the shoal, the site of a series of dangerous encounters last year, could herald a new season of confrontation in the South China Sea.
Indonesia High-speed Rail Project a Financial ‘Time Bomb,’ Official Says
By Sebastian Strangio
While passenger numbers are up so far in 2025, the $7.3 billion 'Whoosh' project remains far short of profitability.
China’s Maritime Assertiveness Poses Risks to European Security, German FM Says in Indonesia
By Sebastian Strangio
Johann Wadephul said that Beijing's approach "not only threatens Asia’s security, but also undermines the international rules-based order as a whole."
How a Thai Influencer is Profiting From the Border Conflict With Cambodia
By Pavin Chachavalpongpun
The case of Praiwan Wannabut illustrates how the warped incentives of the attention economy can fuel real-world conflicts.
Thailand Approves Plan to Hire Sri Lankan Migrant Workers Amid Cambodian Exodus
By Sebastian Strangio
The Cambodian government estimates that 400,000 migrant workers have returned home since the outbreak of conflict between the two countries last month.
The Social Media Battle Between Thailand and Cambodia
By Phone Min Thant and Summer Chan
Amid a fragile ceasefire, posts on Facebook and TikTok continue to fuel nationalistic tensions between Thai and Cambodian netizens.
Myanmar Military Administration Sets Date For Long-awaited Election
By Sebastian Strangio
Junta chief Senior Gen. Min Aung Hlaing has declared that “problems arising from political differences must be resolved through political means.”
Southeast Asia’s Tax Policy Discussion Needs Some Counterintuitive Thinking
By David Hutt
Facing a demographic cliff, the region's governments need to get creative in how they tackle the issue of tax reform.
Prabowo in Paris: Beyond the Parade, Geopolitical Synergies
By Eric Frécon and Paco Milhiet
When the Indonesian president served as guest of honor for Bastille Day, it reflected a growing diplomatic, political, and military convergence between France and Indonesia.
Thailand’s Harsh Struggle With Cambodia
By Luke Hunt
Is Lt. Gen. Boonsin Padklang, the head of Thailand's Second Army Region, costing Bangkok its goodwill?
Philippines Opens Campaign Period in Landmark Bangsamoro Regional Elections
By Sebastian Strangio
The Commission on Elections has introduced a gun ban in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, in the run-up to its first parliamentary election in October.
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