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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.
Why Have No Southeast Asian Leaders Won the Nobel Peace Prize?
By Ahmad Syarif
The region's Nobel laureates have all been non-state actors whose advocacy has aligned with the narratives of Western powers.
Vietnam Protests ‘Brutal’ Chinese Attack on Fishermen in Paracel Islands
By Sebastian Strangio
Beijing claims that the Vietnamese fishing boat was operating illegally in Chinese waters, and that its actions caused "no injuries."
Rights Orgs, Press Freedom Groups Call for Release of Cambodian Journalist
By Sebastian Strangio
Mech Dara, who has earned global plaudits for his work on online scam syndicates, has been charged with "incitement" over a series of social media posts.
In the Komodo Dragon’s Lair, Tourism Faces a Delicate Balancing Act
By Reiza Miftah Wirakusuma, Sarah Gardiner and Alexandra Coghlan
As visitor numbers to natural wonders around the world grow, authorities face a huge challenge balancing conservation with development.
Philippines Opens Candidate Registration Period for Mid-term Elections
By Sebastian Strangio
The May 12, 2025 polls are expected to see a proxy battle between President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and his predecessor, Rodrigo Duterte.
Thai Court Grants Request for Extradition of Montagnard Activist to Vietnam
By Sebastian Strangio
Y Quynh Bdap is wanted in connection with attacks on two government offices in the Central Highlands last year.
Is An End to Asia’s Longest Running Communist Insurgency Finally in Sight?
By Christian Wells
Despite a promising start to a renewed peacebuilding process in the Philippines, there are many obstacles to a lasting peace.
Historical Interpretations and Vietnam’s Diplomatic Balancing
By Khang Vu
Hanoi's interpretation of its painful history with the U.S. and China reflects its desire to maintain peaceful relations with the two powers.
Greenwashing Raises Red Flags With Indonesian Consumers
By Ridho Bramulya Ikhsan
Consumers including millennials choose carefully, increasingly aware of deceptive environmental claims by businesses.
Indonesia To Improve Supervision of Commodities Sector, Official Says
By Sebastian Strangio
Jakarta plans to review the U.S. Department of Labor's claim of forced labor by Chinese majority-owned nickel mining and processing firms.
Just How Proactive is Thailand’s ‘Proactive Diplomacy’?
By Tita Sanglee
The past two administrations have pledged to play a more prominent role on the global stage. But words have yet to be met with actions.
Chinese FM Criticizes US Missile Deployment in the Philippines
By Sebastian Strangio
From its base in Luzon, the Typhon land-based missile system has the ability to strike targets in mainland China.