Phelim Kine
@phelimkine.bsky.social
D.C.-based China correspondent @politico ; Past @hrw.org ; Dow Jones Newswires, Phnom Penh Post; China News (Taiwan).
New/old administration peeps: DMs open! Tips to pkine AT politico.com SIGNAL +1 212 810 0469
New/old administration peeps: DMs open! Tips to pkine AT politico.com SIGNAL +1 212 810 0469
Brace for a sharp increase in tariffs on Thai imports to the U.S. asia.nikkei.com/politics/int...
Thailand suspends Trump-brokered peace deal with Cambodia
PM says 'everything must be stopped' after two soldiers injured in border area
asia.nikkei.com
November 10, 2025 at 7:26 PM
Brace for a sharp increase in tariffs on Thai imports to the U.S. asia.nikkei.com/politics/int...
Reposted by Phelim Kine
Taiwanese activist once imprisoned in PRC says....
www.taipeitimes.com/News/taiwan/...
www.taipeitimes.com/News/taiwan/...
KMT chair wants Taiwan to be like Macau: activist - Taipei Times
Bringing Taiwan to the World and the World to Taiwan
www.taipeitimes.com
November 9, 2025 at 10:16 PM
Taiwanese activist once imprisoned in PRC says....
www.taipeitimes.com/News/taiwan/...
www.taipeitimes.com/News/taiwan/...
Reposted by Phelim Kine
BREAKING: We won!
Today the 3rd Circuit Court ordered the @post-gazette.com to restore our contract it illegally tore up 5 years ago. That’s our health care, PTO, right to a 40-hr. work week, short-term disability and so much more we’ve struck for 3+ years.
pghguild.com/2025/11/10/p...
Today the 3rd Circuit Court ordered the @post-gazette.com to restore our contract it illegally tore up 5 years ago. That’s our health care, PTO, right to a 40-hr. work week, short-term disability and so much more we’ve struck for 3+ years.
pghguild.com/2025/11/10/p...
November 10, 2025 at 5:48 PM
BREAKING: We won!
Today the 3rd Circuit Court ordered the @post-gazette.com to restore our contract it illegally tore up 5 years ago. That’s our health care, PTO, right to a 40-hr. work week, short-term disability and so much more we’ve struck for 3+ years.
pghguild.com/2025/11/10/p...
Today the 3rd Circuit Court ordered the @post-gazette.com to restore our contract it illegally tore up 5 years ago. That’s our health care, PTO, right to a 40-hr. work week, short-term disability and so much more we’ve struck for 3+ years.
pghguild.com/2025/11/10/p...
"Beijing’s move to schedule those chemicals for more stringent export controls marks an easing in its longtime resistance to U.S. pressure to curb their flow from Chinese factories to Mexican cartels" @politico.com subscriber.politicopro.com/article/2025...
POLITICO Pro: Beijing tightens export controls on fentanyl precursor chemicals
The Chinese Commerce Ministry announcement marks Beijing’s follow-through on a commitment to address its role in the U.S. opioid overdose epidemic.
subscriber.politicopro.com
November 10, 2025 at 5:17 PM
"Beijing’s move to schedule those chemicals for more stringent export controls marks an easing in its longtime resistance to U.S. pressure to curb their flow from Chinese factories to Mexican cartels" @politico.com subscriber.politicopro.com/article/2025...
"The move lifts curbs on gallium, germanium and antimony, used in advanced semiconductors and smartphones as well as military technologies such as electronic warfare and surveillance systems" www.politico.eu/article/chin...
China lifts ban on exports of some dual-use materials to US
The move covers exports of gallium, germanium and antimony, which are used in advanced semiconductors and in military applications.
www.politico.eu
November 9, 2025 at 11:26 PM
"The move lifts curbs on gallium, germanium and antimony, used in advanced semiconductors and smartphones as well as military technologies such as electronic warfare and surveillance systems" www.politico.eu/article/chin...
"China today is what the US used to be. It has scale. It has skills. Above all, it has national will, discipline, and stamina" www.semafor.com/article/11/0...
View: The Shipping News for the US is not good
The danger for Washington is that China, sensing US weakness, will start weaponizing its other industrial strengths.
www.semafor.com
November 8, 2025 at 11:13 AM
"China today is what the US used to be. It has scale. It has skills. Above all, it has national will, discipline, and stamina" www.semafor.com/article/11/0...
Reposted by Phelim Kine
HBK: “In an era marked by increasing fragmentation, volatility and rising authoritarianism, this gathering affirms something vital – that democracies, even when far apart, are not alone”
Taiwan vice-president presses case at EU parliament for joint efforts to counter China
China angered by the address, criticising Europe for allowing ‘separatist activities’ to be carried out in parliament building
www.theguardian.com
November 8, 2025 at 8:05 AM
HBK: “In an era marked by increasing fragmentation, volatility and rising authoritarianism, this gathering affirms something vital – that democracies, even when far apart, are not alone”
Reposted by Phelim Kine
In Depth: How corruption burned through China’s firefighting services – Caixin Global
In Depth: How Corruption Burned Through China’s Firefighting Services
A nationwide crackdown has exposed high-ranking officials who bought promotions, rigged procurement deals and traded safety approvals for cash
www.caixinglobal.com
November 7, 2025 at 12:23 PM
In Depth: How corruption burned through China’s firefighting services – Caixin Global
Reposted by Phelim Kine
EU industry boss Séjourné has been talking China to Italian daily La Stampa
"We need to introduce conditionality for foreign investment. There are manufacturers in Europe that assemble Chinese cars with Chinese components and workers, in Spain and Hungary. This is not good."
"We need to introduce conditionality for foreign investment. There are manufacturers in Europe that assemble Chinese cars with Chinese components and workers, in Spain and Hungary. This is not good."
November 7, 2025 at 10:33 AM
EU industry boss Séjourné has been talking China to Italian daily La Stampa
"We need to introduce conditionality for foreign investment. There are manufacturers in Europe that assemble Chinese cars with Chinese components and workers, in Spain and Hungary. This is not good."
"We need to introduce conditionality for foreign investment. There are manufacturers in Europe that assemble Chinese cars with Chinese components and workers, in Spain and Hungary. This is not good."
"In the years to come, the United States must prepare two forces: one to stop a Chinese invasion and another to end the conflict" via @zackcooper.bsky.social www.foreignaffairs.com/taiwan/how-w...
How War in Taiwan Ends
Even if deterrence fails, America could thwart China.
www.foreignaffairs.com
November 7, 2025 at 12:44 AM
"In the years to come, the United States must prepare two forces: one to stop a Chinese invasion and another to end the conflict" via @zackcooper.bsky.social www.foreignaffairs.com/taiwan/how-w...
Reposted by Phelim Kine
The latest in Beijing's use of flight safety issues as grayzone actions.
www.taipeitimes.com/News/taiwan/...
www.taipeitimes.com/News/taiwan/...
China ignores new airport safety concerns, CAA says - Taipei Times
Bringing Taiwan to the World and the World to Taiwan
www.taipeitimes.com
November 5, 2025 at 10:40 PM
The latest in Beijing's use of flight safety issues as grayzone actions.
www.taipeitimes.com/News/taiwan/...
www.taipeitimes.com/News/taiwan/...
Reposted by Phelim Kine
The second of my twice-weekly columns looks at the alleged "unwillingness to fight" of Taiwanese, driven by the recent SCMP piece on it.
www.taipeitimes.com/News/feat/ar...
www.taipeitimes.com/News/feat/ar...
Notes from Central Taiwan: Willing to fight for the homeland - Taipei Times
Bringing Taiwan to the World and the World to Taiwan
www.taipeitimes.com
November 5, 2025 at 10:31 PM
The second of my twice-weekly columns looks at the alleged "unwillingness to fight" of Taiwanese, driven by the recent SCMP piece on it.
www.taipeitimes.com/News/feat/ar...
www.taipeitimes.com/News/feat/ar...
Shelley Rigger told @politico.com China Watcher in 2024: "How hard would it be to Google the title before you put it on a book? It’s hard to avoid the conclusion that [the publisher] knew they were overwriting and disappearing my work,” said Rigger. politi.co/3JG1FKU
I would instead ask Shelley her opinion on the matter. We flagged the name of the book long before any title (or book) was written, let alone finalized. The title change after the first edition is proof. Kerry had far more agency than he's inferring.
bsky.app/profile/phel...
bsky.app/profile/phel...
FWIW @bkerrychina.bsky.social told @politico.com China Watcher in 2024: "His book’s title 'was not my choice' and that he has both apologized to Rigger and asked his publisher to change the title. “I am confident this will not be the title the book comes out with,” Brown said. politi.co/3JG1FKU
November 6, 2025 at 2:55 PM
Shelley Rigger told @politico.com China Watcher in 2024: "How hard would it be to Google the title before you put it on a book? It’s hard to avoid the conclusion that [the publisher] knew they were overwriting and disappearing my work,” said Rigger. politi.co/3JG1FKU
FWIW @bkerrychina.bsky.social told @politico.com China Watcher in 2024: "His book’s title 'was not my choice' and that he has both apologized to Rigger and asked his publisher to change the title. “I am confident this will not be the title the book comes out with,” Brown said. politi.co/3JG1FKU
November 6, 2025 at 2:24 PM
FWIW @bkerrychina.bsky.social told @politico.com China Watcher in 2024: "His book’s title 'was not my choice' and that he has both apologized to Rigger and asked his publisher to change the title. “I am confident this will not be the title the book comes out with,” Brown said. politi.co/3JG1FKU
If Trump actually urged Xi Jinping to release imprisoned Hong Kong democracy activist Jimmy Lai, Beijing today isn't signaling imminent release: MOFA: "Jimmy Lai is the principal mastermind and perpetrator behind the series of riots that shook Hong Kong" www.fmprc.gov.cn/eng/xw/fyrbt...
Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Mao Ning’s Regular Press Conference on November 6, 2025
www.fmprc.gov.cn
November 6, 2025 at 11:59 AM
If Trump actually urged Xi Jinping to release imprisoned Hong Kong democracy activist Jimmy Lai, Beijing today isn't signaling imminent release: MOFA: "Jimmy Lai is the principal mastermind and perpetrator behind the series of riots that shook Hong Kong" www.fmprc.gov.cn/eng/xw/fyrbt...
"Celebration in Beijing about a possible revocation of any of these tariffs may be short-lived — Trump can wield multiple other trade weapons even if the Supreme Court deems the tariffs unlawful" @politico.com www.politico.eu/article/what...
Listen live: US Supreme Court hears arguments in blockbuster Trump tariffs case
Even if the justices strike down the duties, the American president has other legal options to turn to.
www.politico.eu
November 5, 2025 at 4:32 PM
"Celebration in Beijing about a possible revocation of any of these tariffs may be short-lived — Trump can wield multiple other trade weapons even if the Supreme Court deems the tariffs unlawful" @politico.com www.politico.eu/article/what...
Sharp @michaelturton9.bsky.social piece on the recent "flood of pro-China propaganda" pieces in US media outlets. "Painting Taiwan’s leaders as 'reckless' makes a moral case for US abandonment of Taiwan that shifts the blame to Taiwan for resisting PRC annexation" www.taipeitimes.com/News/feat/ar...
Notes from Central Taiwan:The emerging argument to sell out Taiwan - Taipei Times
Bringing Taiwan to the World and the World to Taiwan
www.taipeitimes.com
November 3, 2025 at 7:15 PM
Sharp @michaelturton9.bsky.social piece on the recent "flood of pro-China propaganda" pieces in US media outlets. "Painting Taiwan’s leaders as 'reckless' makes a moral case for US abandonment of Taiwan that shifts the blame to Taiwan for resisting PRC annexation" www.taipeitimes.com/News/feat/ar...
Reposted by Phelim Kine
NEW (#Economy) via @politico.com's @phelimkine.bsky.social & @meganmesserly.bsky.social:
"White House discloses details of #China trade truce
A fact sheet outlines Beijing’s pledges to address key irritants in the U.S.-China relationship."
www.politico.com/news/2025/11...
"White House discloses details of #China trade truce
A fact sheet outlines Beijing’s pledges to address key irritants in the U.S.-China relationship."
www.politico.com/news/2025/11...
White House discloses details of China trade truce
A fact sheet outlines Beijing’s pledges to address key irritants in the U.S.-China relationship.
www.politico.com
November 2, 2025 at 5:50 PM
NEW (#Economy) via @politico.com's @phelimkine.bsky.social & @meganmesserly.bsky.social:
"White House discloses details of #China trade truce
A fact sheet outlines Beijing’s pledges to address key irritants in the U.S.-China relationship."
www.politico.com/news/2025/11...
"White House discloses details of #China trade truce
A fact sheet outlines Beijing’s pledges to address key irritants in the U.S.-China relationship."
www.politico.com/news/2025/11...
"It's the latest installment in the White House’s media victory lap touting the results of Trump’s meeting with Xi. That publicity blitz frames the results of their encounter as a decisive win for Trump’s aggressive tariff policy " @meganmesserly.bsky.social www.politico.com/news/2025/11...
White House discloses details of China trade truce
A fact sheet outlines Beijing’s pledges to address key irritants in the U.S.-China relationship.
www.politico.com
November 2, 2025 at 2:21 AM
"It's the latest installment in the White House’s media victory lap touting the results of Trump’s meeting with Xi. That publicity blitz frames the results of their encounter as a decisive win for Trump’s aggressive tariff policy " @meganmesserly.bsky.social www.politico.com/news/2025/11...
Hegseth added that U.S.-China relations had “never been better” and that President Donald Trump’s meeting with China’s leader Xi Jinping in South Korea on Thursday “set the tone for everlasting peace and success for the U.S. and China" www.politico.com/news/2025/11...
Hegseth seeks a reboot of U.S.-China military hotlines
Defense secretary praises U.S.-China relations but says better communications needed to “deconflict and deescalate any problems that arise.”
www.politico.com
November 2, 2025 at 2:17 AM
Hegseth added that U.S.-China relations had “never been better” and that President Donald Trump’s meeting with China’s leader Xi Jinping in South Korea on Thursday “set the tone for everlasting peace and success for the U.S. and China" www.politico.com/news/2025/11...
Reposted by Phelim Kine
"Bessent, on Fox Business, said that an agreement on TikTok was finalized during his meetings with Chinese officials in Kuala Lumpur, something he expected would 'go forward in the coming weeks and months, and we’ll finally see a resolution to that.'"
So no TikTok deal yet?
So no TikTok deal yet?
“The real question is whether Mr. Trump and Mr. Xi will both make good on what each promised the other —businesses and investors would be wise to not hold their breath." w/ @meganmesserly.bsky.social @politico.com www.politico.com/news/2025/10...
Trump and Xi agree to a one-year trade truce — but key details remain unclear
Beijing is pledging to buy soybeans, delay rare-earth export controls and curb fentanyl — but questions remain over what the U.S. gave up in return.
www.politico.com
October 30, 2025 at 6:42 PM
"Bessent, on Fox Business, said that an agreement on TikTok was finalized during his meetings with Chinese officials in Kuala Lumpur, something he expected would 'go forward in the coming weeks and months, and we’ll finally see a resolution to that.'"
So no TikTok deal yet?
So no TikTok deal yet?
“The real question is whether Mr. Trump and Mr. Xi will both make good on what each promised the other —businesses and investors would be wise to not hold their breath." w/ @meganmesserly.bsky.social @politico.com www.politico.com/news/2025/10...
Trump and Xi agree to a one-year trade truce — but key details remain unclear
Beijing is pledging to buy soybeans, delay rare-earth export controls and curb fentanyl — but questions remain over what the U.S. gave up in return.
www.politico.com
October 30, 2025 at 6:26 PM
“The real question is whether Mr. Trump and Mr. Xi will both make good on what each promised the other —businesses and investors would be wise to not hold their breath." w/ @meganmesserly.bsky.social @politico.com www.politico.com/news/2025/10...
Reposted by Phelim Kine
For the third time in three days, the Senate was asked whether it approves of President Trump’s tariffs. And for the third time, they said “no.”
But that vote is unlikely to undermine any agreements because House Republican leadership has blocked votes on Trump’s tariffs until March.
But that vote is unlikely to undermine any agreements because House Republican leadership has blocked votes on Trump’s tariffs until March.
Senate rejects Trump's global tariffs, the final vote in a series of rebukes
Once again, four Republicans joined with Democrats to approve a resolution condemning a signature part of the president's agenda.
www.politico.com
October 30, 2025 at 5:53 PM
For the third time in three days, the Senate was asked whether it approves of President Trump’s tariffs. And for the third time, they said “no.”
But that vote is unlikely to undermine any agreements because House Republican leadership has blocked votes on Trump’s tariffs until March.
But that vote is unlikely to undermine any agreements because House Republican leadership has blocked votes on Trump’s tariffs until March.
"Trump said he got a commitment from Xi to purchase soybeans from American farmers, curb the flow of fentanyl and postpone its export restrictions on rare earths" But that TikTok "deal" remains in limbo.... www.politico.com/news/2025/10...
‘Amazing meeting’: Trump touts progress on multiple fronts with China after meeting Xi
The president said the meeting with the Chinese leader exceeded expectations, and he lowered the tariff rate.
www.politico.com
October 30, 2025 at 11:06 AM
"Trump said he got a commitment from Xi to purchase soybeans from American farmers, curb the flow of fentanyl and postpone its export restrictions on rare earths" But that TikTok "deal" remains in limbo.... www.politico.com/news/2025/10...
"South Korea’s pursuit of a nuclear submarine capability reflects Seoul’s jitters over China’s increasingly aggressive military footprint in the Indo-Pacific as well as alarm about a growing threat from North Korea" w/ @paulmcleary.bsky.social www.politico.com/news/2025/10...
Trump will arm South Korea with a nuclear submarine
South Korea’s nuclear submarine development plans reflect Seoul’s concerns about potential Chinese and North Korean aggression.
www.politico.com
October 30, 2025 at 12:56 AM
"South Korea’s pursuit of a nuclear submarine capability reflects Seoul’s jitters over China’s increasingly aggressive military footprint in the Indo-Pacific as well as alarm about a growing threat from North Korea" w/ @paulmcleary.bsky.social www.politico.com/news/2025/10...