Etienne Soula
@etiennesoula.bsky.social
China-focused researcher at GMF, foreign authoritarian interference, disinformation, economic coercion, and more. It’s a brave new world out there.
Reposted by Etienne Soula
Critically insecure critical infrastructure:
13 of 19 antenna sites in vicinity of today‘s Franco-German European Digital Sovereignty Summit in Berlin are equipped with Huawei technology.
www.wiwo.de/unternehmen/...
13 of 19 antenna sites in vicinity of today‘s Franco-German European Digital Sovereignty Summit in Berlin are equipped with Huawei technology.
www.wiwo.de/unternehmen/...
November 18, 2025 at 12:47 PM
Critically insecure critical infrastructure:
13 of 19 antenna sites in vicinity of today‘s Franco-German European Digital Sovereignty Summit in Berlin are equipped with Huawei technology.
www.wiwo.de/unternehmen/...
13 of 19 antenna sites in vicinity of today‘s Franco-German European Digital Sovereignty Summit in Berlin are equipped with Huawei technology.
www.wiwo.de/unternehmen/...
Reposted by Etienne Soula
Statement from German Finance Minister Lars Klingbeil before his departure for China ticks the right boxes:
✅ Rare earths
✅ Overcapacities
✅ Russia/Ukraine
But dialogue with China has not led to “solutions” as he states here for years. So Germany should be clear-eyed on what that can deliver
✅ Rare earths
✅ Overcapacities
✅ Russia/Ukraine
But dialogue with China has not led to “solutions” as he states here for years. So Germany should be clear-eyed on what that can deliver
November 16, 2025 at 5:23 PM
Statement from German Finance Minister Lars Klingbeil before his departure for China ticks the right boxes:
✅ Rare earths
✅ Overcapacities
✅ Russia/Ukraine
But dialogue with China has not led to “solutions” as he states here for years. So Germany should be clear-eyed on what that can deliver
✅ Rare earths
✅ Overcapacities
✅ Russia/Ukraine
But dialogue with China has not led to “solutions” as he states here for years. So Germany should be clear-eyed on what that can deliver
Reposted by Etienne Soula
Diplomatically unprecedented.
The German far-right opposition has reportedly been invited to Washington for an official strategy session with Republicans in the US Congress.
The German far-right opposition has reportedly been invited to Washington for an official strategy session with Republicans in the US Congress.
Large far-right German delegation to visit Washington, Trump ally says
The invitation to the capital comes as Alternative for Germany politicians seek to build closer ties to the U.S. government.
www.politico.eu
November 15, 2025 at 10:57 AM
Diplomatically unprecedented.
The German far-right opposition has reportedly been invited to Washington for an official strategy session with Republicans in the US Congress.
The German far-right opposition has reportedly been invited to Washington for an official strategy session with Republicans in the US Congress.
The EU just released its European Democracy Shield. The establishment of the European Centre for Democratic Resilience is a solid step toward coordinating FIMI response across Member States and building collective analytical capabilities.
@ec.europa.eu ec.europa.eu/commission/p...
@ec.europa.eu ec.europa.eu/commission/p...
European Democracy Shield and EU Strategy for Civil Society pave the way for stronger and more resilient democracies
The Commission has presented today the European Democracy Shield, setting out a series of concrete measures to empower, protect, and promote strong and resilient democracies across the EU. An open civ...
ec.europa.eu
November 12, 2025 at 9:42 PM
The EU just released its European Democracy Shield. The establishment of the European Centre for Democratic Resilience is a solid step toward coordinating FIMI response across Member States and building collective analytical capabilities.
@ec.europa.eu ec.europa.eu/commission/p...
@ec.europa.eu ec.europa.eu/commission/p...
Reposted by Etienne Soula
Unusually candid statement from VW on Nexperia:
“How quickly and sustainably this system functions depends primarily on the stability of relations between the US and China,” Ralf Brandstatter, CEO of Volkswagen Group China
www.scmp.com/economy/chin...
“How quickly and sustainably this system functions depends primarily on the stability of relations between the US and China,” Ralf Brandstatter, CEO of Volkswagen Group China
www.scmp.com/economy/chin...
Nexperia chips have begun flowing to Europe again, auto suppliers say
Beijing has followed through on promises to ease export restrictions, but a final deal to decide the chip firm’s fate has yet to be agreed.
www.scmp.com
November 11, 2025 at 11:16 AM
Unusually candid statement from VW on Nexperia:
“How quickly and sustainably this system functions depends primarily on the stability of relations between the US and China,” Ralf Brandstatter, CEO of Volkswagen Group China
www.scmp.com/economy/chin...
“How quickly and sustainably this system functions depends primarily on the stability of relations between the US and China,” Ralf Brandstatter, CEO of Volkswagen Group China
www.scmp.com/economy/chin...
Reposted by Etienne Soula
The European Commission is exploring ways to force European Union member states to phase out Huawei Technologies Co. and ZTE Corp. from their telecommunications networks
EU Eyes Banning Huawei From Mobile Networks of Member Countries
The European Commission is exploring ways to force European Union member states to phase out Huawei Technologies Co. and ZTE Corp. from their telecommunications networks, according to people with the matter.
www.bloomberg.com
November 10, 2025 at 7:38 PM
The European Commission is exploring ways to force European Union member states to phase out Huawei Technologies Co. and ZTE Corp. from their telecommunications networks
Reposted by Etienne Soula
Exporting MAGA "The Heritage Foundation goes from MAGA to MEGA - Make Europe Great Again" www.politico.eu/article/the-...
The Heritage Foundation goes from MAGA to MEGA — Make Europe Great Again
On the agenda: pro-natalism, freedom of expression, opposing trans rights and fighting Chinese influence.
www.politico.eu
November 10, 2025 at 7:35 PM
Exporting MAGA "The Heritage Foundation goes from MAGA to MEGA - Make Europe Great Again" www.politico.eu/article/the-...
Reposted by Etienne Soula
🇺🇸🇭🇺
The balance of the #Trump-#Orbán meeting is more nuanced than the hype around securing sanction exemptions for #Hungary’s oil imports from #Russia.
Check out my piece written for @euobserver.com, summarized in the THREAD below.
euobserver.com/eu-and-the-w...
The balance of the #Trump-#Orbán meeting is more nuanced than the hype around securing sanction exemptions for #Hungary’s oil imports from #Russia.
Check out my piece written for @euobserver.com, summarized in the THREAD below.
euobserver.com/eu-and-the-w...
November 10, 2025 at 3:36 PM
🇺🇸🇭🇺
The balance of the #Trump-#Orbán meeting is more nuanced than the hype around securing sanction exemptions for #Hungary’s oil imports from #Russia.
Check out my piece written for @euobserver.com, summarized in the THREAD below.
euobserver.com/eu-and-the-w...
The balance of the #Trump-#Orbán meeting is more nuanced than the hype around securing sanction exemptions for #Hungary’s oil imports from #Russia.
Check out my piece written for @euobserver.com, summarized in the THREAD below.
euobserver.com/eu-and-the-w...
Reposted by Etienne Soula
EU plans hub to tackle disinformation threat from Russia and others
Move follows ‘escalating hybrid attacks’ by Russia and other foreign powers spreading fake articles across social media
www.theguardian.com/world/2025/n...
Move follows ‘escalating hybrid attacks’ by Russia and other foreign powers spreading fake articles across social media
www.theguardian.com/world/2025/n...
EU plans hub to tackle disinformation threat from Russia and others
Move follows ‘escalating hybrid attacks’ by Russia and other foreign powers spreading fake articles across social media
www.theguardian.com
November 8, 2025 at 10:39 AM
EU plans hub to tackle disinformation threat from Russia and others
Move follows ‘escalating hybrid attacks’ by Russia and other foreign powers spreading fake articles across social media
www.theguardian.com/world/2025/n...
Move follows ‘escalating hybrid attacks’ by Russia and other foreign powers spreading fake articles across social media
www.theguardian.com/world/2025/n...
Reposted by Etienne Soula
It hasn't received enough attention: China's rare earth controls pose a serious threat to Europe's military build-up and its ability to defend itself against Russian aggression. The threat to European security stems from Beijing as well as Moscow.
www.nytimes.com/2025/11/06/b...
www.nytimes.com/2025/11/06/b...
How China’s Rare Earth Chokehold Could Strangle Europe’s Military Buildup
www.nytimes.com
November 7, 2025 at 7:26 AM
It hasn't received enough attention: China's rare earth controls pose a serious threat to Europe's military build-up and its ability to defend itself against Russian aggression. The threat to European security stems from Beijing as well as Moscow.
www.nytimes.com/2025/11/06/b...
www.nytimes.com/2025/11/06/b...
Reposted by Etienne Soula
Huge Nexperia news
The Netherlands is prepared to suspend a ministerial order that gave it control over Chinese-owned chipmaker Nexperia if chip shipments resume in the coming days
The Netherlands is prepared to suspend a ministerial order that gave it control over Chinese-owned chipmaker Nexperia if chip shipments resume in the coming days
Dutch Ready to Drop Control of Nexperia If Chip Supply Resumes
The Netherlands is prepared to suspend a so-called ministerial order that gave it control over Chinese-owned chipmaker Nexperia in a move that would de-escalate a fight with Beijing that threatens to disrupt automotive production around the world.
www.bloomberg.com
November 7, 2025 at 7:21 AM
Huge Nexperia news
The Netherlands is prepared to suspend a ministerial order that gave it control over Chinese-owned chipmaker Nexperia if chip shipments resume in the coming days
The Netherlands is prepared to suspend a ministerial order that gave it control over Chinese-owned chipmaker Nexperia if chip shipments resume in the coming days
Reposted by Etienne Soula
💥Explosive new statement from Nexperia Netherlands overnight
- can't guarantee the IP, tech, authenticity and quality standards for products delivered from Nexperia China as of Oct 13
- refutes rumours that Chinese CEO Zhang Xuetong is back
www.nexperia.com/abo...
- can't guarantee the IP, tech, authenticity and quality standards for products delivered from Nexperia China as of Oct 13
- refutes rumours that Chinese CEO Zhang Xuetong is back
www.nexperia.com/abo...
November 6, 2025 at 9:38 AM
💥Explosive new statement from Nexperia Netherlands overnight
- can't guarantee the IP, tech, authenticity and quality standards for products delivered from Nexperia China as of Oct 13
- refutes rumours that Chinese CEO Zhang Xuetong is back
www.nexperia.com/abo...
- can't guarantee the IP, tech, authenticity and quality standards for products delivered from Nexperia China as of Oct 13
- refutes rumours that Chinese CEO Zhang Xuetong is back
www.nexperia.com/abo...
Reposted by Etienne Soula
Putin’s repressive machinery turns inward to target pro-war figures. Analysts say a purge of the Russian regime’s own supporters is under way as rival factions turn on each other.
www.theguardian.com/world/2025/n...
www.theguardian.com/world/2025/n...
Putin’s repressive machinery turns inward to target pro-war figures
Analysts say a purge of the Russian regime’s own supporters is under way as rival factions turn on each other
www.theguardian.com
November 6, 2025 at 7:40 AM
Putin’s repressive machinery turns inward to target pro-war figures. Analysts say a purge of the Russian regime’s own supporters is under way as rival factions turn on each other.
www.theguardian.com/world/2025/n...
www.theguardian.com/world/2025/n...
More strategic vision from the European industrial sector that gave us great hits like dependence to Russian gas and obstinate obstruction of climate regulation.
Wow...
VW to develop its own AI chips for autonomous driving, but in China
"By designing and developing the System-on-Chip here in China, we are taking control of a key tech that will define the future of intelligent driving," CEO Oliver Blume said
VW to develop its own AI chips for autonomous driving, but in China
"By designing and developing the System-on-Chip here in China, we are taking control of a key tech that will define the future of intelligent driving," CEO Oliver Blume said
VW to build its own AI chips in China in autonomous driving push | New Straits Times
SHANGHAI: In the race to develop autonomous driving technology, German automotive giant Volkswagen is taking a significant step by developing its own artificial intelligence (AI) chips in China, reported German Press Agency (dpa).
www.nst.com.my
November 5, 2025 at 1:22 PM
More strategic vision from the European industrial sector that gave us great hits like dependence to Russian gas and obstinate obstruction of climate regulation.
Reposted by Etienne Soula
Nexperia fallout: Dutch-Chinese chip debacle reignites EU debate over foreign investments – SCMP: ‘likely to lead to further scrutiny by EU countries on future Chinese investments in the bloc, according to analysts.’
Nexperia fallout: chip spat reignites EU debate over Chinese investments
In aftermath of Netherlands’ controversial seizure, scrutiny looms over Chinese acquisitions, US influence and EU’s ability to balance security with open markets.
www.scmp.com
November 5, 2025 at 9:32 AM
Nexperia fallout: Dutch-Chinese chip debacle reignites EU debate over foreign investments – SCMP: ‘likely to lead to further scrutiny by EU countries on future Chinese investments in the bloc, according to analysts.’
Reposted by Etienne Soula
Big news: Chinese commerce ministry will consider relaxing export controls on Nexperia that are threatening to cripple the European car supply chain
But reporting suggests the breakthrough came during US-China talks rather than EU / Netherlands-China
But reporting suggests the breakthrough came during US-China talks rather than EU / Netherlands-China
China considers export ban exemption for some Nexperia orders
Beijing’s initiative is meant to stabilise the supply of Nexperia chips in global supply chains, particularly those in the car industry.
www.scmp.com
November 1, 2025 at 7:17 AM
Big news: Chinese commerce ministry will consider relaxing export controls on Nexperia that are threatening to cripple the European car supply chain
But reporting suggests the breakthrough came during US-China talks rather than EU / Netherlands-China
But reporting suggests the breakthrough came during US-China talks rather than EU / Netherlands-China
Reposted by Etienne Soula
„The China Trap: How Germany made itself dependent on China out of convenience and myopia“.
Cover page of Germany‘s main business paper.
A collective German elite failure on a gigantic scale. Time for a reckoning. And most of all: finally time for serious action to reduce our dependencies.
Cover page of Germany‘s main business paper.
A collective German elite failure on a gigantic scale. Time for a reckoning. And most of all: finally time for serious action to reduce our dependencies.
October 31, 2025 at 7:15 AM
„The China Trap: How Germany made itself dependent on China out of convenience and myopia“.
Cover page of Germany‘s main business paper.
A collective German elite failure on a gigantic scale. Time for a reckoning. And most of all: finally time for serious action to reduce our dependencies.
Cover page of Germany‘s main business paper.
A collective German elite failure on a gigantic scale. Time for a reckoning. And most of all: finally time for serious action to reduce our dependencies.
Reposted by Etienne Soula
Big news in the Nexperia saga and for the chip crunch ahead of EU-China talks today
Nexperia has suspended supplies of wafers to its Chinese assembly plant, according to a letter addressed to its customers that was reviewed by Reuters
Nexperia has suspended supplies of wafers to its Chinese assembly plant, according to a letter addressed to its customers that was reviewed by Reuters
Nexperia suspends supplies of wafers to Chinese assembly plant, letter shows
Nexperia is locked in a dispute with its Chinese unit after the Dutch government takes control of Nexperia from its Chinese owner Wingtech Technology on September 30
www.rappler.com
October 31, 2025 at 9:07 AM
Big news in the Nexperia saga and for the chip crunch ahead of EU-China talks today
Nexperia has suspended supplies of wafers to its Chinese assembly plant, according to a letter addressed to its customers that was reviewed by Reuters
Nexperia has suspended supplies of wafers to its Chinese assembly plant, according to a letter addressed to its customers that was reviewed by Reuters
Reposted by Etienne Soula
Super interesting thread on US social media use 👇👇
Overall social media use is declining.
Between 2020 and 2024, more Americans — especially the youngest (18–24) and oldest (65+) — report using no social media at all.
A small group of heavy users remains, but the middle is thinning out.
Between 2020 and 2024, more Americans — especially the youngest (18–24) and oldest (65+) — report using no social media at all.
A small group of heavy users remains, but the middle is thinning out.
October 31, 2025 at 9:10 AM
Super interesting thread on US social media use 👇👇
Reposted by Etienne Soula
Truly seems we're on the verge of a huge shock to the car industry over the Nexperia crisis - will keep track of things in this rolling thread
EU's car-making body said today assembly lines in Europe "might only be days away" from grinding to a halt
EU's car-making body said today assembly lines in Europe "might only be days away" from grinding to a halt
Critical chip shortage worsens by the day
The European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association (ACEA) is increasingly concerned by imminent disruption to European vehicle manufacturing due to the block in supply of foundational microchips that are essential for our members’ manufacturing.
www.acea.auto
October 29, 2025 at 9:17 PM
Truly seems we're on the verge of a huge shock to the car industry over the Nexperia crisis - will keep track of things in this rolling thread
EU's car-making body said today assembly lines in Europe "might only be days away" from grinding to a halt
EU's car-making body said today assembly lines in Europe "might only be days away" from grinding to a halt
Reposted by Etienne Soula
If anything, Trump-Xi talks have emphasised the tight spot the EU is in going into tomorrow's talks on export controls with China.
In order to lift rare earth restrictions for a year, Trump lowered tariffs, seems to have opened the door to Chinese investments, and paused probes
In order to lift rare earth restrictions for a year, Trump lowered tariffs, seems to have opened the door to Chinese investments, and paused probes
October 30, 2025 at 7:45 AM
If anything, Trump-Xi talks have emphasised the tight spot the EU is in going into tomorrow's talks on export controls with China.
In order to lift rare earth restrictions for a year, Trump lowered tariffs, seems to have opened the door to Chinese investments, and paused probes
In order to lift rare earth restrictions for a year, Trump lowered tariffs, seems to have opened the door to Chinese investments, and paused probes
Reposted by Etienne Soula
Russian figures close to the Kremlin are mounting a last-minute attempt to halt the extradition from Dubai of a Romanian-French mercenary wanted in Romania for plotting a coup. Horațiu Potra, a shadowy former French Foreign Legionnaire, was arrested at Dubai airport on 24 Sep
Kremlin-linked operatives scramble to stop extradition of mercenary accused of plotting coup
Exclusive: Inside a Russian bid to free Horațiu Potra, a mercenary held in Dubai accused of conspiring to ‘overthrow constitutional order’ in Romania
www.theguardian.com
October 29, 2025 at 5:01 PM
Russian figures close to the Kremlin are mounting a last-minute attempt to halt the extradition from Dubai of a Romanian-French mercenary wanted in Romania for plotting a coup. Horațiu Potra, a shadowy former French Foreign Legionnaire, was arrested at Dubai airport on 24 Sep
Reposted by Etienne Soula
When asked about Russia’s war in Ukraine, ChatGPT, Google’s Gemini, DeepSeek, and xAI’s Grok all regularly cite Russian propaganda
www.wired.com/story/chatbo...
www.wired.com/story/chatbo...
Chatbots Are Pushing Sanctioned Russian Propaganda
ChatGPT, Gemini, DeepSeek, and Grok are serving users propaganda from Russian-backed media when asked about the invasion of Ukraine, new research finds.
www.wired.com
October 27, 2025 at 9:21 AM
When asked about Russia’s war in Ukraine, ChatGPT, Google’s Gemini, DeepSeek, and xAI’s Grok all regularly cite Russian propaganda
www.wired.com/story/chatbo...
www.wired.com/story/chatbo...
At a time when China is looking to make its own auto industry globally dominant, what could go wrong for competitors who hand it the details of their supply architecture?
German firms are providing the Chinese authorities with confidential details about their supply chains in order to secure rare earths
www.bloomberg.com/news/article...
www.bloomberg.com/news/article...
German Firms Hand Over Secrets That China Could Use for Leverage
As German firms wrestle with new Chinese controls on rare earths, they are handing Beijing sensitive supply chain information it could potentially use to squeeze manufacturers or shut down production ...
www.bloomberg.com
October 26, 2025 at 10:27 AM
At a time when China is looking to make its own auto industry globally dominant, what could go wrong for competitors who hand it the details of their supply architecture?
That’s probably not going to help with European trade deficits.
Foreign pharma giants scale back in China amid price wars and regulatory pressure – Caixin Global
Pharma Giants Scale Back in China Amid Price Wars and Regulatory Pressure
The delisting of 80 drugs from companies like Pfizer, Sanofi, and Bayer underscores the intense competition, steep price cuts, and strategic pivots forcing multinationals to rethink their China operat...
www.caixinglobal.com
October 26, 2025 at 10:23 AM
That’s probably not going to help with European trade deficits.