Sense Hofstede
@sensehofstede.nl
Researcher and teacher of the Indo-Pacific. Studies China, Singapore, and Taiwan; nationalism, party-state & international relations. | 何森璱
https://sensehofstede.nl/
https://sensehofstede.nl/
Trump threatens Canada with 100% tariff over possible deal with China – The Guardian: ‘In a New York Post interview published on Saturday, Trump boasted that the US will gain sovereignty and take ownership over land in Greenland where American bases are located.’
Trump threatens Canada with 100% tariff over possible deal with China
President also claimed US refineries will process seized Venezuelan oil, saying ‘we take the oil’
www.theguardian.com
January 24, 2026 at 4:26 PM
Trump threatens Canada with 100% tariff over possible deal with China – The Guardian: ‘In a New York Post interview published on Saturday, Trump boasted that the US will gain sovereignty and take ownership over land in Greenland where American bases are located.’
Reposted by Sense Hofstede
I made a rough and dirty (and thus contestable!) overview of the vast emptiness at the top of China’s PLA: substack.com/profile/1637...
Sense Hofstede (@sensehofstede)
☭ 🚨 PLA purge rough overview. After Zhang Youxia and Liu Zhenli were announced to be under investigation, I made a quick and dirty overview of the most senior positions in the Chinese military system....
substack.com
January 24, 2026 at 1:57 PM
I made a rough and dirty (and thus contestable!) overview of the vast emptiness at the top of China’s PLA: substack.com/profile/1637...
Europe must better protect key industries against Chinese competition, draw ‘red lines’ the country cannot cross, Bundesbank President Joachim Nagel told German newspaper Tagesspiegel – Bloomberg: ‘governments mustn’t be “naive” when it comes to key sectors like car manufacturing, Nagel was quoted’
Europe Must Draw Red Lines for China, Nagel Tells Tagesspiegel
Europe must better protect key industries against Chinese competition and draw “red lines” the country cannot cross, Bundesbank President Joachim Nagel said in an interview with Tagesspiegel published...
www.bloomberg.com
January 24, 2026 at 3:05 PM
Europe must better protect key industries against Chinese competition, draw ‘red lines’ the country cannot cross, Bundesbank President Joachim Nagel told German newspaper Tagesspiegel – Bloomberg: ‘governments mustn’t be “naive” when it comes to key sectors like car manufacturing, Nagel was quoted’
BYD is aiming to increase deliveries to markets outside China by nearly 25% to 1.3 million, as the world’s largest electric-vehicle maker grapples with challenges in its home market – Bloomberg
EV Giant BYD Aims to Sell 1.3 Million Cars Outside China in 2026
BYD Co. is aiming to increase deliveries to markets outside China by nearly 25% as the world’s largest electric-vehicle maker grapples with challenges at home.
www.bloomberg.com
January 24, 2026 at 2:58 PM
BYD is aiming to increase deliveries to markets outside China by nearly 25% to 1.3 million, as the world’s largest electric-vehicle maker grapples with challenges in its home market – Bloomberg
China keeps low profile in Davos in pursuit of Western investment – Reuters: ‘China’s lunch with Western executives was a more intimate affair and the message a simple “We are open for business”, said a senior banker who was briefed on it.’
China keeps low profile in Davos in pursuit of Western investment
China's low-key approach in Davos this year could not have been more different to that of the United States, with some business leaders saying Beijing stands to benefit from the Trump administration's...
www.reuters.com
January 24, 2026 at 2:55 PM
China keeps low profile in Davos in pursuit of Western investment – Reuters: ‘China’s lunch with Western executives was a more intimate affair and the message a simple “We are open for business”, said a senior banker who was briefed on it.’
Taiwanese foreign minister thanks European Parliament for its support – Taipei Times: ‘two resolutions that express concern over China’s threat to peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait, and support deepening multifaceted Taiwan-EU cooperation and exchanges.’
Minister thanks European Parliament for its support - Taipei Times
Bringing Taiwan to the World and the World to Taiwan
www.taipeitimes.com
January 24, 2026 at 2:52 PM
Taiwanese foreign minister thanks European Parliament for its support – Taipei Times: ‘two resolutions that express concern over China’s threat to peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait, and support deepening multifaceted Taiwan-EU cooperation and exchanges.’
Taiwan‘s Han Kuang drills to start in spring, may be extended again – Taipei Times: ‘Unscripted simulated engagements would again be a prominent feature of this year’s drills’
Han Kuang drills to start in spring, may be extended - Taipei Times
Bringing Taiwan to the World and the World to Taiwan
www.taipeitimes.com
January 24, 2026 at 2:51 PM
Taiwan‘s Han Kuang drills to start in spring, may be extended again – Taipei Times: ‘Unscripted simulated engagements would again be a prominent feature of this year’s drills’
2026 is not the year of consumption for China – Trivium China: ‘Overall, support measures will focus – as always – on supply-side investment and on efforts to create demand for manufacturers.’
2026 is not the year of consumption – Trivium China
triviumchina.com
January 24, 2026 at 2:39 PM
2026 is not the year of consumption for China – Trivium China: ‘Overall, support measures will focus – as always – on supply-side investment and on efforts to create demand for manufacturers.’
Trump claims China’s Xi will come to US toward end of 2026 – Kyodo News: ‘While speaking to reporters on Air Force One en route from Switzerland to the United States, Trump reiterated that he plans to visit China in April.’
Trump says China's Xi will come to U.S. toward end of 2026
U.S. President Donald Trump said Thursday that Chinese President Xi Jinping will visit the United States toward the end of this year, describing their current relationship as "excellent."
english.kyodonews.net
January 24, 2026 at 2:38 PM
Trump claims China’s Xi will come to US toward end of 2026 – Kyodo News: ‘While speaking to reporters on Air Force One en route from Switzerland to the United States, Trump reiterated that he plans to visit China in April.’
Fujian coast guard conducts routine law-enforcement patrol in waters near Kinmen – Xinhua: ‘safeguarded the legitimate rights and interests as well as the lives and property of Chinese fishermen, including those from the Taiwan region’
Fujian coast guard conducts routine patrol in waters near Kinmen
english.news.cn
January 24, 2026 at 2:34 PM
Fujian coast guard conducts routine law-enforcement patrol in waters near Kinmen – Xinhua: ‘safeguarded the legitimate rights and interests as well as the lives and property of Chinese fishermen, including those from the Taiwan region’
Chinese UN envoy voices concerns over developments in northeastern Syria – Xinhua: ‘facilities where IS fighters are being held’
‘“We call on the Syrian transitional authorities to […] combat all […] designated by the Security Council, including the East Turkestan Islamic Movement,” Sun said.’
‘“We call on the Syrian transitional authorities to […] combat all […] designated by the Security Council, including the East Turkestan Islamic Movement,” Sun said.’
China voices concerns over developments in northeastern Syria
english.news.cn
January 24, 2026 at 2:33 PM
Chinese UN envoy voices concerns over developments in northeastern Syria – Xinhua: ‘facilities where IS fighters are being held’
‘“We call on the Syrian transitional authorities to […] combat all […] designated by the Security Council, including the East Turkestan Islamic Movement,” Sun said.’
‘“We call on the Syrian transitional authorities to […] combat all […] designated by the Security Council, including the East Turkestan Islamic Movement,” Sun said.’
Senior Chinese official Wang Xiaohong urges sustained crackdown on cross-border gambling – Xinhua: ‘during a national video conference. He stressed the need to focus on key cases, major fugitives, and criminal gambling networks’
Senior Chinese official urges sustained crackdown on cross-border gambling
english.news.cn
January 24, 2026 at 2:31 PM
Senior Chinese official Wang Xiaohong urges sustained crackdown on cross-border gambling – Xinhua: ‘during a national video conference. He stressed the need to focus on key cases, major fugitives, and criminal gambling networks’
Trump’s threats are forcing allies to prepare for a world where the US cannot be trusted—creating a natural opening for China – Bloomberg: ‘the US president is pushing middle powers to hedge’
An Untethered Trump Is Expanding Xi’s Sphere of Influence
By hollowing out the rules-based order, the US president is pushing middle powers to hedge, and giving Beijing an opening it didn’t have before.
www.bloomberg.com
January 24, 2026 at 2:29 PM
Trump’s threats are forcing allies to prepare for a world where the US cannot be trusted—creating a natural opening for China – Bloomberg: ‘the US president is pushing middle powers to hedge’
The Gulf is fast emerging as part of China’s next big financial play, with years of diplomatic overtures now translating into hard cash – Bloomberg: ‘jumped nearly three-fold to a record $15.7 billion in 2025, excluding bilateral loans, with the bulk going into Saudi Arabia and United Arab Emirates’
China Is Lending to the Gulf at Record Pace, Tightening Ties
The Gulf is fast emerging as part of China’s next big financial play, with years of diplomatic overtures now translating into hard cash.
www.bloomberg.com
January 24, 2026 at 2:28 PM
The Gulf is fast emerging as part of China’s next big financial play, with years of diplomatic overtures now translating into hard cash – Bloomberg: ‘jumped nearly three-fold to a record $15.7 billion in 2025, excluding bilateral loans, with the bulk going into Saudi Arabia and United Arab Emirates’
China’s securities regulator is considering tightening the criteria for Mainland companies to sell shares in Hong Kong, after an offshore fundraising boom raised concerns over deal quality – Bloomberg
China Weighs Tighter Rules for Firms to Sell Shares in Hong Kong
China’s securities regulator is considering tightening the criteria for mainland companies to sell shares in Hong Kong, after an offshore fundraising boom raised concerns over deal quality, people fam...
www.bloomberg.com
January 24, 2026 at 2:27 PM
China’s securities regulator is considering tightening the criteria for Mainland companies to sell shares in Hong Kong, after an offshore fundraising boom raised concerns over deal quality – Bloomberg
China and the Philippines launch rescue missions for distressed Singaporean-flagged cargo ship with Filipino crew near Scarborough Shoal – Reuters: ‘The Chinese military said 17 crew members were rescued and two of them later died’
China, Philippines go to aid of sinking cargo ship near disputed Scarborough Shoal
China and the Philippines said on Friday they launched rescue operations after receiving reports of a sinking cargo ship near the Scarborough Shoal in the South China Sea that was carrying 21 Philippi...
www.reuters.com
January 24, 2026 at 2:25 PM
China and the Philippines launch rescue missions for distressed Singaporean-flagged cargo ship with Filipino crew near Scarborough Shoal – Reuters: ‘The Chinese military said 17 crew members were rescued and two of them later died’
Xi Jinping assures Brazil’s President Lula of China’s support in ‘turbulent’ times – Reuters: ‘Xi’s comments in a telephone call with Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva followed the latter’s criticism of the U.S. attack on Venezuela in an opinion piece in the New York Times this week.’
Xi assures Brazil's Lula of China's support in 'turbulent' times
Chinese leader Xi Jinping assured his Brazilian counterpart on Friday that China would stand by Latin America's biggest economy and the Global South, and called for both nations to maintain the role o...
www.reuters.com
January 24, 2026 at 2:22 PM
Xi Jinping assures Brazil’s President Lula of China’s support in ‘turbulent’ times – Reuters: ‘Xi’s comments in a telephone call with Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva followed the latter’s criticism of the U.S. attack on Venezuela in an opinion piece in the New York Times this week.’
China’s Xi Jinping lauds ‘shared future’ with Vietnam after To Lam’s re-election – Reuters: ‘“China and Vietnam are friendly socialist neighbours and a community with a shared future of strategic significance,” Xi said, adding that he highly values relations between the two countries and parties.’
China's Xi lauds 'shared future' with Vietnam after To Lam's re-election
China's President Xi Jinping congratulated Vietnam's To Lam on his re-election as the ruling Communist Party's general secretary, praising Vietnam's achievements and describing the two nations as a "c...
www.reuters.com
January 24, 2026 at 2:20 PM
China’s Xi Jinping lauds ‘shared future’ with Vietnam after To Lam’s re-election – Reuters: ‘“China and Vietnam are friendly socialist neighbours and a community with a shared future of strategic significance,” Xi said, adding that he highly values relations between the two countries and parties.’
China’s foreign ministry rejects UN experts’ concerns for alleged forced labour in Xinjiang – Reuters: ‘The experts said there was “a persistent pattern” of alleged forced labour affecting Uyghur, Kazakh and Kyrgyz minority groups as well as Tibetans in Xinjiang and across multiple provinces.’
China rejects UN experts' concerns for alleged forced labour in Xinjiang
China defended its human rights record on Friday after UN experts said alleged forced labour involving Uyghurs and Tibetans in the Xinjiang region and other parts of China might amount to "enslavement...
www.reuters.com
January 24, 2026 at 2:18 PM
China’s foreign ministry rejects UN experts’ concerns for alleged forced labour in Xinjiang – Reuters: ‘The experts said there was “a persistent pattern” of alleged forced labour affecting Uyghur, Kazakh and Kyrgyz minority groups as well as Tibetans in Xinjiang and across multiple provinces.’
Exclusive: Seeking to boost UK economy, finance minister Reeves to accompany Starmer on China visit – Reuters: ‘Along with business secretary Peter Kyle, who will also be on the trip, Reeves will have separate itineraries from the prime minister, one of the sources said.’
Exclusive: Seeking to boost UK economy, finance minister Reeves to accompany Starmer on China visit
British finance minister Rachel Reeves will accompany Prime Minister Keir Starmer on his trip to China next week, underscoring UK efforts to strengthen ties with the world's second-largest economy at ...
www.reuters.com
January 24, 2026 at 2:18 PM
Exclusive: Seeking to boost UK economy, finance minister Reeves to accompany Starmer on China visit – Reuters: ‘Along with business secretary Peter Kyle, who will also be on the trip, Reeves will have separate itineraries from the prime minister, one of the sources said.’
CK Hutchison is renewing efforts to sell dozens of ports to a global consortium – Bloomberg: ‘by splitting the deal into separate parcels’
‘could give [Cosco] larger stakes of ports in regions more friendly with China […], while other parties in the consortium […] may have greater control elsewhere’
‘could give [Cosco] larger stakes of ports in regions more friendly with China […], while other parties in the consortium […] may have greater control elsewhere’
Li Ka-shing Mulls New Ownership Structure to Complete Ports Deal
Billionaire Li Ka-shing’s CK Hutchison Holdings Ltd. is renewing efforts to sell dozens of ports to a global consortium by splitting the deal into separate parcels with different ownership structures,...
www.bloomberg.com
January 24, 2026 at 2:15 PM
CK Hutchison is renewing efforts to sell dozens of ports to a global consortium – Bloomberg: ‘by splitting the deal into separate parcels’
‘could give [Cosco] larger stakes of ports in regions more friendly with China […], while other parties in the consortium […] may have greater control elsewhere’
‘could give [Cosco] larger stakes of ports in regions more friendly with China […], while other parties in the consortium […] may have greater control elsewhere’
ByteDance lands US$14B deal to avoid US ban on TikTok – POLITICO: ‘The new owners will include the U.S. private equity firm Silver Lake, Abu Dhabi-based artificial intelligence company MGX and Oracle, a tech giant co-founded by Larry Ellison, an ally of President Donald Trump.’
TikTok lands $14B deal to avoid US ban
The new owners will include Oracle, a tech giant co-founded by Trump ally Larry Ellison.
www.politico.com
January 24, 2026 at 10:32 AM
ByteDance lands US$14B deal to avoid US ban on TikTok – POLITICO: ‘The new owners will include the U.S. private equity firm Silver Lake, Abu Dhabi-based artificial intelligence company MGX and Oracle, a tech giant co-founded by Larry Ellison, an ally of President Donald Trump.’
China no longer Pentagon’s top security priority – BBC News: ‘Relations with China are to be approached through "strength, not confrontation". […], the document says.’
‘Unlike in previous versions of the strategy, Taiwan, […], is not mentioned.’
‘Unlike in previous versions of the strategy, Taiwan, […], is not mentioned.’
Pentagon to offer 'more limited' support to US allies
The US will also offer “more limited” support to US allies, according to a new national defence strategy document.
www.bbc.com
January 24, 2026 at 10:32 AM
China no longer Pentagon’s top security priority – BBC News: ‘Relations with China are to be approached through "strength, not confrontation". […], the document says.’
‘Unlike in previous versions of the strategy, Taiwan, […], is not mentioned.’
‘Unlike in previous versions of the strategy, Taiwan, […], is not mentioned.’
Trump administration pushes out Commerce official whose unit banned Chinese vehicles, sources say – Reuters: ‘an office created in 2022 to investigate threats to the supply chain from foreign adversaries’
‘shortly after the department dropped a plan to impose restrictions on Chinese drones’
‘shortly after the department dropped a plan to impose restrictions on Chinese drones’
Trump administration pushes out official whose unit banned Chinese vehicles, sources say
President
Donald Trump's administration has pushed out a Commerce Department official whose office effectively barred nearly all Chinese cars from the U.S. market for national security reasons, acco...
www.reuters.com
January 24, 2026 at 10:30 AM
Trump administration pushes out Commerce official whose unit banned Chinese vehicles, sources say – Reuters: ‘an office created in 2022 to investigate threats to the supply chain from foreign adversaries’
‘shortly after the department dropped a plan to impose restrictions on Chinese drones’
‘shortly after the department dropped a plan to impose restrictions on Chinese drones’
Germany’s dramatic China car trade slump tests Merz’s tough talk at Davos – SCMP: ‘The main automotive lobby, the VDA, is typically against punitive trade measures towards Beijing while the lobby group representing many of the car part makers, the VDMA, is in favour.’
Germany’s Merz talked tough on reform. Will stark car slump force action?
Export slide matched by import upward swing comes amid divisive debate on how German industry can deal with China’s manufacturing prowess.
www.scmp.com
January 24, 2026 at 10:27 AM
Germany’s dramatic China car trade slump tests Merz’s tough talk at Davos – SCMP: ‘The main automotive lobby, the VDA, is typically against punitive trade measures towards Beijing while the lobby group representing many of the car part makers, the VDMA, is in favour.’