Michael Kovrig
@kovrig.bsky.social
Senior Adviser, Asia @crisisgroup.org | Strategic narratives on China, Indo-Pacific, geopolitics, geoeconomics, philosophy and values. Ex-diplomat. Don't start none, won't be none. 实事求是。己所不欲,勿施於人 https://open.substack.com/pub/michaelkovrig
China has dramatically expanded its presence and influence across the Pacific Islands with the intent to strategically align the region more closely with its own interests, I argue in a new essay for @foreignaffairs.com based on two years of research for @crisisgroup.org.
Direct link is below.
Direct link is below.
Read @kovrig.bsky.social on China’s efforts to “acquire the footholds it needs” across the Pacific Islands—and what the United States and its partners can do to “deter aggression and coercion in the Pacific.”
The Pacific Islands Challenge
In America’s tug of war with China, oceanic democracy is caught in the middle.
www.foreignaffairs.com
November 3, 2025 at 10:54 PM
China has dramatically expanded its presence and influence across the Pacific Islands with the intent to strategically align the region more closely with its own interests, I argue in a new essay for @foreignaffairs.com based on two years of research for @crisisgroup.org.
Direct link is below.
Direct link is below.
What does it mean to have a "correct" perception of China? Beijing's diplomats have been using that phrase a lot lately. 1/4
#CanadaChinaRelations #Geopolitics #Diplomacy #ForeignPolicy #WangDi #StrategicNarrative #Propaganda
#CanadaChinaRelations #Geopolitics #Diplomacy #ForeignPolicy #WangDi #StrategicNarrative #Propaganda
October 16, 2025 at 5:26 PM
What does it mean to have a "correct" perception of China? Beijing's diplomats have been using that phrase a lot lately. 1/4
#CanadaChinaRelations #Geopolitics #Diplomacy #ForeignPolicy #WangDi #StrategicNarrative #Propaganda
#CanadaChinaRelations #Geopolitics #Diplomacy #ForeignPolicy #WangDi #StrategicNarrative #Propaganda
Reposted by Michael Kovrig
‘Two years on, Gaza has paid the price for global inaction.’
As we mark Hamas’s attacks against Israel on 7 October 2023, @crisisgroup.org’s CEO and President @comfortero.crisisgroup.org reflects on what has unfolded since - and the urgent choices now before us. 1/9 🧵
mailchi.mp/crisisgroup....
As we mark Hamas’s attacks against Israel on 7 October 2023, @crisisgroup.org’s CEO and President @comfortero.crisisgroup.org reflects on what has unfolded since - and the urgent choices now before us. 1/9 🧵
mailchi.mp/crisisgroup....
October 7, 2025 at 9:27 AM
‘Two years on, Gaza has paid the price for global inaction.’
As we mark Hamas’s attacks against Israel on 7 October 2023, @crisisgroup.org’s CEO and President @comfortero.crisisgroup.org reflects on what has unfolded since - and the urgent choices now before us. 1/9 🧵
mailchi.mp/crisisgroup....
As we mark Hamas’s attacks against Israel on 7 October 2023, @crisisgroup.org’s CEO and President @comfortero.crisisgroup.org reflects on what has unfolded since - and the urgent choices now before us. 1/9 🧵
mailchi.mp/crisisgroup....
Four years ago this week China’s government released me from 1,019 days of wrongful detention as a political hostage. If not for heroic advocacy and diplomacy, I might still be in a cell there, with the crisis unresolved. I'm eternally grateful for my liberty. 🧵
September 26, 2025 at 10:50 PM
Four years ago this week China’s government released me from 1,019 days of wrongful detention as a political hostage. If not for heroic advocacy and diplomacy, I might still be in a cell there, with the crisis unresolved. I'm eternally grateful for my liberty. 🧵
Reposted by Michael Kovrig
Is it still safe to visit China? Few are better placed to answer that question than Canadian Michael Kovrig (@kovrig.bsky.social), one of the ‘two Michaels’ who were detained for nearly three years in China.
Is it Safe to Visit China? A Former Detainee’s Warning - The Wire China
From exit bans to arbitrary arrests, vague laws, unsubstantiated charges, grueling prison sentences, and secret executions — the risks keep growing.
buff.ly
July 30, 2025 at 1:45 PM
Is it still safe to visit China? Few are better placed to answer that question than Canadian Michael Kovrig (@kovrig.bsky.social), one of the ‘two Michaels’ who were detained for nearly three years in China.
Is it safe to visit China? The risks for foreigners keep growing. In a new assessment for @thewirechina.bsky.social, I give an overview of recent incidents, analyze risk factors and advise how to prepare if you still want to travel. How do you assess your own risks? Link in the comments.
July 30, 2025 at 1:57 PM
Is it safe to visit China? The risks for foreigners keep growing. In a new assessment for @thewirechina.bsky.social, I give an overview of recent incidents, analyze risk factors and advise how to prepare if you still want to travel. How do you assess your own risks? Link in the comments.
China executed 4 Canadians this year. Why? To intimidate citizens and send a message to foreigners: “obey or else.” My latest article explores how the CCP’s callousness threatens global norms that protect all of us, undermining its own propaganda. Link in comments 🧵1/7 #ChinaCanada #DeathPenalty
July 24, 2025 at 6:44 PM
China executed 4 Canadians this year. Why? To intimidate citizens and send a message to foreigners: “obey or else.” My latest article explores how the CCP’s callousness threatens global norms that protect all of us, undermining its own propaganda. Link in comments 🧵1/7 #ChinaCanada #DeathPenalty
China just sentenced a Japanese executive to 3.5 years in prison on espionage charges. No evidence or details provided. Hiroshi Nishiyama had been in China for two decades and worked for Astellas Pharma and with the Japanese Chamber of Commerce in China. 1/5
#ArbitraryDetention #ChinaJapan
#ArbitraryDetention #ChinaJapan
July 18, 2025 at 6:19 PM
China just sentenced a Japanese executive to 3.5 years in prison on espionage charges. No evidence or details provided. Hiroshi Nishiyama had been in China for two decades and worked for Astellas Pharma and with the Japanese Chamber of Commerce in China. 1/5
#ArbitraryDetention #ChinaJapan
#ArbitraryDetention #ChinaJapan
Chinese analysts and diplomats are saying that Canada, under pressure from US tariffs, should tilt toward China.
The implicit deal: kowtow to the CCP in return for economic benefits, sacrifice Canadian manufacturing for agricultural exports.
It’s a devil’s bargain for Canada. 🧵/1
The implicit deal: kowtow to the CCP in return for economic benefits, sacrifice Canadian manufacturing for agricultural exports.
It’s a devil’s bargain for Canada. 🧵/1
July 14, 2025 at 2:49 PM
Chinese analysts and diplomats are saying that Canada, under pressure from US tariffs, should tilt toward China.
The implicit deal: kowtow to the CCP in return for economic benefits, sacrifice Canadian manufacturing for agricultural exports.
It’s a devil’s bargain for Canada. 🧵/1
The implicit deal: kowtow to the CCP in return for economic benefits, sacrifice Canadian manufacturing for agricultural exports.
It’s a devil’s bargain for Canada. 🧵/1
Shared some thoughts with POLITICO about the upcoming #Huawei trial and #Canada's new and growing geopolitical challenges. Updated strategies for #China and the #IndoPacific should be developed as part of comprehensive foreign policy vision.
Kovrig: PM needs a China strategy
“We’re passing through a geopolitical inflection point."
www.politico.com
July 9, 2025 at 6:14 PM
Shared some thoughts with POLITICO about the upcoming #Huawei trial and #Canada's new and growing geopolitical challenges. Updated strategies for #China and the #IndoPacific should be developed as part of comprehensive foreign policy vision.
Now that the 2025 #G7 summit is over, here’s the strategic narrative I shared beforehand at the #B7 summit—where economic security rightly took center stage. A few of my remarks from the B7 summit are in this video. Full 10-min media Q&A via CPAC: youtu.be/YQI_PslO1XY?.... A short recap 🧵
B7 Summit: Attendees speak with reporters – May 16, 2025
YouTube video by cpac
youtu.be
June 19, 2025 at 1:01 PM
Now that the 2025 #G7 summit is over, here’s the strategic narrative I shared beforehand at the #B7 summit—where economic security rightly took center stage. A few of my remarks from the B7 summit are in this video. Full 10-min media Q&A via CPAC: youtu.be/YQI_PslO1XY?.... A short recap 🧵
Followed, threatened and smeared — attacks by China against its critics in Canada are on the rise: CBC/ICIJ investigations reveal increasing transnational repression against Canadians and around the world
lnkd.in/gi6kDjNG
lnkd.in/gi6kDjNG
June 2, 2025 at 2:49 PM
Followed, threatened and smeared — attacks by China against its critics in Canada are on the rise: CBC/ICIJ investigations reveal increasing transnational repression against Canadians and around the world
lnkd.in/gi6kDjNG
lnkd.in/gi6kDjNG
Why US trading partners face increasing pressure to align their tariffs on China with American foreign economic policy:
Chinese exporters ‘wash’ products in third countries to avoid Donald Trump’s tariffs
Asian neighbours wary of becoming staging posts for trade actually destined for US
www.ft.com
May 6, 2025 at 2:39 AM
Why US trading partners face increasing pressure to align their tariffs on China with American foreign economic policy:
For the centre of a liberal international order to hold, there need to be stronger, deeper ties between nations that still believe in it. EU + CPTPP progress is crucial.
EU eyes closer ties to transpacific bloc as Trump jolts trade order
Brussels revives plan to forge strategic partnership with CPTPP to defend rules-based global system
www.ft.com
May 6, 2025 at 2:39 AM
For the centre of a liberal international order to hold, there need to be stronger, deeper ties between nations that still believe in it. EU + CPTPP progress is crucial.
Pro tip: China’s not hiding economic data because the numbers are too good. “Keep moving, nothing to see here…” The CCP runs on secrecy like BYD’s cars run on batteries.
How Bad Is China’s Economy? The Data Needed to Answer Is Vanishing
Beijing has stopped publishing hundreds of statistics related to real estate, finance, unemployment and even soy sauce production, making it harder to know what’s going on in the country.
www.wsj.com
May 6, 2025 at 2:38 AM
Pro tip: China’s not hiding economic data because the numbers are too good. “Keep moving, nothing to see here…” The CCP runs on secrecy like BYD’s cars run on batteries.
Every time a Chinese Party-state voice complains "the United States started the trade war," please quote back to them earlier statements about the "Made in China 2025" strategy and particularly what General Secretary Xi Jinping said when announcing China would purse a "Dual Circulation" concept:
Chinese Communist Party to mark 100th anniversary in isolation
Xi reinforces one-party rule and ignores risk of friction with foreign countries
asia.nikkei.com
May 2, 2025 at 9:28 PM
Every time a Chinese Party-state voice complains "the United States started the trade war," please quote back to them earlier statements about the "Made in China 2025" strategy and particularly what General Secretary Xi Jinping said when announcing China would purse a "Dual Circulation" concept:
If you're in Ottawa, I'll be talking about my latest research for the International CrisisGroup on China-West strategic rivalry and Indo-Pacific geopolitics with Jonathan Berkshire Miller on May 14. Thanks to the Canadian International Council for hosting. Join us if you can!
Diplomacy in the Age of Uncertainty: Navigating Geopolitical Crossroads with Michael Kovrig - Canadian International Council
Title: Diplomacy in the Age of Uncertainty: Navigating Geopolitical Crossroads with Michael Kovrig Date: May 14, 5:30pm Format: In-person, remarks and moderated armchair discussion. Description: Join ...
thecic.org
May 2, 2025 at 9:27 PM
If you're in Ottawa, I'll be talking about my latest research for the International CrisisGroup on China-West strategic rivalry and Indo-Pacific geopolitics with Jonathan Berkshire Miller on May 14. Thanks to the Canadian International Council for hosting. Join us if you can!
"Inside China's Machinery of Repression," a new investigative report, describes the vast scale of the Chinese government’s global campaign to coerce and intimidate people in China's diaspora.
#CCP #repression #interference
#CCP #repression #interference
Inside China’s machinery of repression — and how it crushes dissent around the world - ICIJ
Interviews with more than 100 victims in 23 countries, along with internal government documents, reveal the sinister tactics China uses to silence critics beyond its borders.
www.icij.org
May 2, 2025 at 9:26 PM
"Inside China's Machinery of Repression," a new investigative report, describes the vast scale of the Chinese government’s global campaign to coerce and intimidate people in China's diaspora.
#CCP #repression #interference
#CCP #repression #interference
My sympathies to #Canadian farmers whacked by #China's 100% tariffs on #canola oil, canola meal and peas in retaliation for #Canada's duties on Chinese-made electric vehicles, steel and aluminum.
www.ctvnews.ca/regina/artic...
www.ctvnews.ca/regina/artic...
‘It feels personal’: Canadian farmers cope with Chinese tariffs on canola and peas
Canola runs deep on Margaret Rigetti’s farm in southern Saskatchewan.
www.ctvnews.ca
April 28, 2025 at 7:28 PM
My sympathies to #Canadian farmers whacked by #China's 100% tariffs on #canola oil, canola meal and peas in retaliation for #Canada's duties on Chinese-made electric vehicles, steel and aluminum.
www.ctvnews.ca/regina/artic...
www.ctvnews.ca/regina/artic...
Open societies need to do more to safeguard themselves against the #CCP's transnational repression, elite capture and foreign interference and influence, I told columnist Douglas Todd on a recent visit to the West Coast
Michael Kovrig comes to Vancouver: 'Ground zero' for his detention in China
Douglas Todd: He's getting out the message China is capturing the world's "elites” and intimidating its diaspora communities. Find out more.
vancouversun.com
April 28, 2025 at 7:26 PM
Open societies need to do more to safeguard themselves against the #CCP's transnational repression, elite capture and foreign interference and influence, I told columnist Douglas Todd on a recent visit to the West Coast
Canadian security officials say they have spotted a foreign repression operation targeting a federal Conservative candidate opposed to Chinese government policies, CBC reports.
Security officials report 'repression' operation targeting Conservative candidate Joe Tay | CBC News
Canadian security officials say they have spotted a foreign repression operation targeting a federal Conservative candidate opposed to Chinese government policies.
www.cbc.ca
April 25, 2025 at 5:49 PM
Canadian security officials say they have spotted a foreign repression operation targeting a federal Conservative candidate opposed to Chinese government policies, CBC reports.
This 👇🏻
When is the Manchurian Candidate the Manchurian Candidate?
Or, its now
wesleywark.substack.com
April 25, 2025 at 5:40 PM
This 👇🏻
In other words, this is what #China does NOT want to see:
China Warns Countries Not to Team Up Against It to Gain Trump Tariff Reprieve
Curbing trade with China to curry favor with the United States would be “selfish and shortsighted,” the government said, promising to retaliate.
www.nytimes.com
April 21, 2025 at 5:11 PM
In other words, this is what #China does NOT want to see:
