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
“China might see opportunities: a potential failure for the U.S., increased division within the U.S. if it fails, and long-term a stimulus to Latin American countries looking to balance the U.S. by looking to China" via @elistokols.bsky.social @dcheslow.bsky.social www.politico.com/news/2026/01...
After Venezuela operation, Trump says the whole hemisphere is in play
With brash threats aimed all around the region, the president and his team made it clear Venezuela might be just the beginning, sparking fear across the Western hemisphere.
www.politico.com
January 4, 2026 at 11:44 AM
“China might see opportunities: a potential failure for the U.S., increased division within the U.S. if it fails, and long-term a stimulus to Latin American countries looking to balance the U.S. by looking to China" via @elistokols.bsky.social @dcheslow.bsky.social www.politico.com/news/2026/01...
“This is not complicated. The Chinese may or may not be slow rolling this but this is Diplomacy 101 — what have you agreed to and what’s the time frame?” w/ @arihawkins.bsky.social @politico.com www.politico.com/news/2026/01...
The text of Trump’s October deal with Xi Jinping is still MIA
The president called his meeting with Chinese leader Xi Jinping in South Korea a "massive victory," but the lack of details on what was agreed to raise the potential for more friction in 2026.
www.politico.com
January 3, 2026 at 10:27 PM
“This is not complicated. The Chinese may or may not be slow rolling this but this is Diplomacy 101 — what have you agreed to and what’s the time frame?” w/ @arihawkins.bsky.social @politico.com www.politico.com/news/2026/01...
Beijing on the U.S. move against Venezuela: "China is deeply shocked by and strongly condemns the U.S.’s blatant use of force against a sovereign state." Beijing on Russia's invasion of Ukraine: "We call on all sides to exercise restraint." 🙃 www.mfa.gov.cn/eng/xw/fyrbt...
Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Hua Chunying’s Regular Press Conference on February 24, 2022
www.mfa.gov.cn
January 3, 2026 at 6:17 PM
Beijing on the U.S. move against Venezuela: "China is deeply shocked by and strongly condemns the U.S.’s blatant use of force against a sovereign state." Beijing on Russia's invasion of Ukraine: "We call on all sides to exercise restraint." 🙃 www.mfa.gov.cn/eng/xw/fyrbt...
If anybody happens to spot Qiu Xiaoqi, China's special envoy for Latin American and Caribbean affairs, around Caracas today my DMs are open😜 #WhereIsQiuXiaoqi #QiuXiaoqiWhereAreYou #QiuXiaoqiPhoneHome orinocotribune.com/chinas-speci...
China's Special Envoy Reaffirms Unbreakable Brotherhood With Venezuela Against US Naval Blockade and Piracy
On Friday, Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro received Qiu Xiaoqi, the special envoy for Latin American and Caribbean affairs for Chinese President Xi Jinping, at Miraflores Palace in Caracas. The hi...
orinocotribune.com
January 3, 2026 at 5:51 PM
If anybody happens to spot Qiu Xiaoqi, China's special envoy for Latin American and Caribbean affairs, around Caracas today my DMs are open😜 #WhereIsQiuXiaoqi #QiuXiaoqiWhereAreYou #QiuXiaoqiPhoneHome orinocotribune.com/chinas-speci...
Brace for the detonation of Taiwan's demography bomb h/t @michaelturton.bsky.social "Soon we will begin to witness a breakdown in basic services... the frequency and newsworthiness of the incidents will only continue to accelerate dramatically in the coming years" www.taipeitimes.com/News/feat/ar...
Donovan’s Deep Dives: Taiwan’s basic services could begin to crumble this year - Taipei Times
Bringing Taiwan to the World and the World to Taiwan
www.taipeitimes.com
January 3, 2026 at 4:16 PM
Brace for the detonation of Taiwan's demography bomb h/t @michaelturton.bsky.social "Soon we will begin to witness a breakdown in basic services... the frequency and newsworthiness of the incidents will only continue to accelerate dramatically in the coming years" www.taipeitimes.com/News/feat/ar...
China enters the chat: "China is deeply shocked and strongly condemns the U.S. for recklessly using force against a sovereign state and targeting its president. Such hegemonic actions by the U.S. seriously violate international law" #Venezuela www.fmprc.gov.cn/fyrbt_673021...
www.fmprc.gov.cn
January 3, 2026 at 3:02 PM
China enters the chat: "China is deeply shocked and strongly condemns the U.S. for recklessly using force against a sovereign state and targeting its president. Such hegemonic actions by the U.S. seriously violate international law" #Venezuela www.fmprc.gov.cn/fyrbt_673021...
Chinese state media so far limiting comment on the U.S. action against Venezuela to criticism by countries including Iran, Cuba and Russia. China's Foreign Ministry clearly mulling its response with an eye to Beijing's reliance on Venezuelan oil. english.news.cn/20260103/f7f...
Xinhua Headlines: U.S. launches strikes on Venezuela, drawing widespread condemnation
english.news.cn
January 3, 2026 at 1:07 PM
Chinese state media so far limiting comment on the U.S. action against Venezuela to criticism by countries including Iran, Cuba and Russia. China's Foreign Ministry clearly mulling its response with an eye to Beijing's reliance on Venezuelan oil. english.news.cn/20260103/f7f...
This didn't age well. orinocotribune.com/chinas-speci...
China's Special Envoy Reaffirms Unbreakable Brotherhood With Venezuela Against US Naval Blockade and Piracy
On Friday, Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro received Qiu Xiaoqi, the special envoy for Latin American and Caribbean affairs for Chinese President Xi Jinping, at Miraflores Palace in Caracas. The hi...
orinocotribune.com
January 3, 2026 at 12:05 PM
This didn't age well. orinocotribune.com/chinas-speci...
Reposted by Phelim Kine
The pro-China parties can't even bring themselves to condemn PRC intimidation.
The DPP’s motion to condemn China’s Justice Mission 2025 military exercise near Taiwan fails after a 46-56 vote this morning due to KMT and TPP opposition.
January 2, 2026 at 2:03 PM
The pro-China parties can't even bring themselves to condemn PRC intimidation.
Reposted by Phelim Kine
“They are looking for soldiers who are in financial shortages and provide them loans, but they will tell them ‘you work for me and if you get this information you don’t have to pay me back’." bit.ly/4qzq8l2 @politico.com www.politico.com/newsletters/...
Chinese spies threaten Taiwan’s war readiness
Chinese spies have been found lurking in the upper ranks of President Lai Ching-Te's government.
www.politico.com
January 2, 2026 at 12:31 PM
“They are looking for soldiers who are in financial shortages and provide them loans, but they will tell them ‘you work for me and if you get this information you don’t have to pay me back’." bit.ly/4qzq8l2 @politico.com www.politico.com/newsletters/...
"Beforehand, according to an American official present, Mr. Hegseth dabbed his nose with powder from a small compact. 'Look commanding,' he told one aide. The handshake with the Ukrainian might be shown on Fox; the president might be watching" www.nytimes.com/interactive/...
The Separation: Inside the Unraveling U.S.-Ukraine Partnership
As President Trump sought a peace deal and Vladimir V. Putin sought victory, factions in the White House and Pentagon bled the Ukrainian war effort.
www.nytimes.com
January 1, 2026 at 2:10 PM
"Beforehand, according to an American official present, Mr. Hegseth dabbed his nose with powder from a small compact. 'Look commanding,' he told one aide. The handshake with the Ukrainian might be shown on Fox; the president might be watching" www.nytimes.com/interactive/...
Beijing's intl agreement modus operandi via @milesyu10.bsky.social "Sign first, benefit immediately; comply selectively, deny accountability indefinitely. Apologists respond with a familiar refrain: 'All countries violate treaties.' www.washingtontimes.com/news/2025/de...
China and the death of trust
Old habits die hard, especially among elites who mistake nostalgia for strategy.
www.washingtontimes.com
December 31, 2025 at 2:17 PM
Beijing's intl agreement modus operandi via @milesyu10.bsky.social "Sign first, benefit immediately; comply selectively, deny accountability indefinitely. Apologists respond with a familiar refrain: 'All countries violate treaties.' www.washingtontimes.com/news/2025/de...
Reposted by Phelim Kine
One underappreciated aspect of Taiwan's National Health Care system is that its databases are available to researchers after being anonymized. Here is a study using that systems data to explore link between COVID and pregnancy diabetes (none found).
onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/...
onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/...
The association between COVID‐19 and incident gestational diabetes (GDM): A population‐based case–control study of the National Health Insurance Research Database in Taiwan
Our study found no evidence that COVID-19 infection is linked to gestational diabetes; however, it shows some evidence of an association between vaccination and a reduced risk.
onlinelibrary.wiley.com
December 30, 2025 at 12:05 AM
One underappreciated aspect of Taiwan's National Health Care system is that its databases are available to researchers after being anonymized. Here is a study using that systems data to explore link between COVID and pregnancy diabetes (none found).
onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/...
onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/...
"China stages military drills around Taiwan to warn ‘external forces’ after US, Japan tensions" via AP bit.ly/4so44vA Just one of the fault lines waiting to derail that fragile U.S-China truce.... www.politico.com/news/2025/12...
4 ways China-US relations could fracture in 2026
Dozens of lawmakers foresee a surge in tensions over trade, Taiwan or supply chain disruptions possibly scuttling the current pause in US-China economic hostilities.
www.politico.com
December 29, 2025 at 9:20 PM
"China stages military drills around Taiwan to warn ‘external forces’ after US, Japan tensions" via AP bit.ly/4so44vA Just one of the fault lines waiting to derail that fragile U.S-China truce.... www.politico.com/news/2025/12...
Reposted by Phelim Kine
The Protein Pop-Tart gave a press conference after bailing on being sacrificed. www.instagram.com/reel/DSz84qY...
Pop-Tarts on Instagram: "outta the Pop-Tarts Bowl into the spotlight. Protein is going PRO.
#poptarts #poptartsbowl #protein #football"
In a move to cater to the growing demand for high-protein breakfast options, Pop Tarts has introduced a new range of protein-rich pastries. With a focus on quality ingredients and innovative flavor co...
www.instagram.com
December 28, 2025 at 3:55 PM
The Protein Pop-Tart gave a press conference after bailing on being sacrificed. www.instagram.com/reel/DSz84qY...
“It’s like a heavyweight fight, and we’re in that short time period in-between rounds, but both sides need to be preparing for what is next after the truce" @politico.com www.politico.com/news/2025/12...
4 ways China-US relations could fracture in 2026
Dozens of lawmakers foresee a surge in tensions over trade, Taiwan or supply chain disruptions possibly scuttling the current pause in US-China economic hostilities.
www.politico.com
December 26, 2025 at 3:37 PM
“It’s like a heavyweight fight, and we’re in that short time period in-between rounds, but both sides need to be preparing for what is next after the truce" @politico.com www.politico.com/news/2025/12...
Reposted by Phelim Kine
Zelenskyy said he'll meet Trump in Florida this weekend to discuss most politically sensitive parts of US peace proposal that would ultimately be presented to Russia. He told reporters on WhatsApp, “meeting is specifically meant to finalise as much as we can”. More TK here
www.ft.com/content/4591...
www.ft.com/content/4591...
Volodymyr Zelenskyy preparing to meet Donald Trump within days at Mar-a-Lago
Talks expected to address the most sensitive parts of US peace plan
www.ft.com
December 26, 2025 at 1:32 PM
Zelenskyy said he'll meet Trump in Florida this weekend to discuss most politically sensitive parts of US peace proposal that would ultimately be presented to Russia. He told reporters on WhatsApp, “meeting is specifically meant to finalise as much as we can”. More TK here
www.ft.com/content/4591...
www.ft.com/content/4591...
Reposted by Phelim Kine
China has officially launched a national venture capital fund and three large regional funds, together worth billions of dollars, as part of a push to foster home-grown tech champions – Bloomberg
China Starts State-Backed Venture Funds to Support Tech Startups
China has officially launched a national venture capital fund and three large regional funds, together worth billions of dollars, as part of a push to foster home-grown tech champions and improve inve...
www.bloomberg.com
December 26, 2025 at 10:44 AM
China has officially launched a national venture capital fund and three large regional funds, together worth billions of dollars, as part of a push to foster home-grown tech champions – Bloomberg
Reposted by Phelim Kine
Formosan Students Association...
1967 Yearbook pic of Formosan Association at Kansas State University. Many students from this organization became lifelong Taiwan independence advocates. Many of them were placed on the blacklist and unable to return to Taiwan.
1967 Yearbook pic of Formosan Association at Kansas State University. Many students from this organization became lifelong Taiwan independence advocates. Many of them were placed on the blacklist and unable to return to Taiwan.
December 26, 2025 at 12:52 AM
Formosan Students Association...
1967 Yearbook pic of Formosan Association at Kansas State University. Many students from this organization became lifelong Taiwan independence advocates. Many of them were placed on the blacklist and unable to return to Taiwan.
1967 Yearbook pic of Formosan Association at Kansas State University. Many students from this organization became lifelong Taiwan independence advocates. Many of them were placed on the blacklist and unable to return to Taiwan.
Reposted by Phelim Kine
My column for today on the illiberal ASPI piece on the possibility of erosion of liberal democracy by the Lai administration.
www.taipeitimes.com/News/feat/ar...
www.taipeitimes.com/News/feat/ar...
Notes from Central Taiwan: The threat to Taiwan’s liberal values - Taipei Times
Bringing Taiwan to the World and the World to Taiwan
www.taipeitimes.com
December 25, 2025 at 3:38 AM
My column for today on the illiberal ASPI piece on the possibility of erosion of liberal democracy by the Lai administration.
www.taipeitimes.com/News/feat/ar...
www.taipeitimes.com/News/feat/ar...
"While the Pentagon acknowledges China is still readying for a potential war over Taiwan by 2027 — and developing long-range weapons to push American forces out of the region — the U.S. military is betting on a velvet glove approach to tamp down tensions" subscriber.politicopro.com/article/0000...
POLITICO Pro: Pentagon bets on diplomacy with China
The Defense Department stresses “deconfliction and de-escalation” in its annual report on Beijing’s military capabilities to highlight diplomatic efforts.
subscriber.politicopro.com
December 23, 2025 at 11:41 PM
"While the Pentagon acknowledges China is still readying for a potential war over Taiwan by 2027 — and developing long-range weapons to push American forces out of the region — the U.S. military is betting on a velvet glove approach to tamp down tensions" subscriber.politicopro.com/article/0000...
Reposted by Phelim Kine
My column today on Okinawa and Taiwan
www.taipeitimes.com/News/feat/ar...
www.taipeitimes.com/News/feat/ar...
Notes from Central Taiwan: Okinawa as Taiwan - Taipei Times
Bringing Taiwan to the World and the World to Taiwan
www.taipeitimes.com
December 22, 2025 at 4:00 AM
My column today on Okinawa and Taiwan
www.taipeitimes.com/News/feat/ar...
www.taipeitimes.com/News/feat/ar...
“We’re a sinking ship. We’re like the Titanic." Devastating expose via @johnnysakalis.bsky.social @politico.com www.politico.com/news/2025/12...
Acting CISA director failed a polygraph. Career staff are now under investigation.
At least six career staff were placed on leave after DHS opened an investigation into whether they misled the agency’s acting director, Madhu Gottumukkala, into taking the test.
www.politico.com
December 22, 2025 at 11:51 AM
“We’re a sinking ship. We’re like the Titanic." Devastating expose via @johnnysakalis.bsky.social @politico.com www.politico.com/news/2025/12...
Reposted by Phelim Kine
Per NY Times’s Michael Grynbaum on X, this is Sharyn Alfonsi’s email to her “60 Minutes” colleagues in full:
December 22, 2025 at 3:37 AM
Per NY Times’s Michael Grynbaum on X, this is Sharyn Alfonsi’s email to her “60 Minutes” colleagues in full: