Tobita Chow
@tobitac.bsky.social
US-China, climate, politics, imperialism and world economy
Chicagoland | immigrant | he/him
Chicagoland | immigrant | he/him
They’re trying to make Havana syndrome a thing again, slow news week?
January 18, 2026 at 5:38 AM
They’re trying to make Havana syndrome a thing again, slow news week?
Unifor should get ahead of this and secure labor neutrality agreements from the Chinese firms. US labor leaders did this during a delegation to China years ago and it contributed to the unionization of a BYD factory in Lancaster, California
Carney is explicitly framing this deal as a first step to Chinese EV manufacturing in Canada.
“It is expected that within three years, this agreement will drive considerable new Chinese joint-venture investment in Canada … to protect and create new auto manufacturing careers for Canadian workers.”
“It is expected that within three years, this agreement will drive considerable new Chinese joint-venture investment in Canada … to protect and create new auto manufacturing careers for Canadian workers.”
Prime Minister Carney forges new strategic partnership with the People’s Republic of China focused on energy, agri-food, and trade
To forge a new Canada-China partnership, the Prime Minister, Mark Carney, visited Beijing, the People’s Republic of China, this week. This marked the first visit to China by a Canadian Prime Minister ...
www.pm.gc.ca
January 18, 2026 at 3:54 AM
Unifor should get ahead of this and secure labor neutrality agreements from the Chinese firms. US labor leaders did this during a delegation to China years ago and it contributed to the unionization of a BYD factory in Lancaster, California
Reposted by Tobita Chow
wrote about the occupation in minnesota with a closing note on how the white house has exactly one tactic — repression with goons — but no particular strategy for dealing with entrenched resistance. gift link.
Opinion | This Is the Only Card Trump Can Play
www.nytimes.com
January 17, 2026 at 6:28 PM
wrote about the occupation in minnesota with a closing note on how the white house has exactly one tactic — repression with goons — but no particular strategy for dealing with entrenched resistance. gift link.
Reposted by Tobita Chow
Reposted by Tobita Chow
Mubashir and his family came to the United States as refugees from Ethiopia when he was a child, and they all became naturalized citizens in 2019.
Despite being a U.S. citizen, Mubashir was targeted by ICE, assaulted, and detained. Listen to his story:
Despite being a U.S. citizen, Mubashir was targeted by ICE, assaulted, and detained. Listen to his story:
January 17, 2026 at 11:45 PM
Mubashir and his family came to the United States as refugees from Ethiopia when he was a child, and they all became naturalized citizens in 2019.
Despite being a U.S. citizen, Mubashir was targeted by ICE, assaulted, and detained. Listen to his story:
Despite being a U.S. citizen, Mubashir was targeted by ICE, assaulted, and detained. Listen to his story:
Reposted by Tobita Chow
European leaders warn of ‘downward spiral’ after Trump threatens tariffs over Greenland – Europe live
European leaders warn of ‘downward spiral’ after Trump threatens tariffs over Greenland – Europe live
Denmark, Norway, Sweden, the UK, France, Germany, the Netherlands and Finland will face tariffs from 1 February
www.theguardian.com
January 17, 2026 at 8:03 PM
European leaders warn of ‘downward spiral’ after Trump threatens tariffs over Greenland – Europe live
One application of that cynical take I feel confident about is that there were some US political leaders who hoped for the worst for Hong Kong democracy protesters while loudly cheering them on. Nothing but political profit for them
January 17, 2026 at 5:54 AM
One application of that cynical take I feel confident about is that there were some US political leaders who hoped for the worst for Hong Kong democracy protesters while loudly cheering them on. Nothing but political profit for them
Miller's argument here is basically useless for China's leaders because it's fundamentally incompatible with their framework for legitimizing their claim to Taiwan
This guy is basically inviting China to take Taiwan.
January 17, 2026 at 4:28 AM
Miller's argument here is basically useless for China's leaders because it's fundamentally incompatible with their framework for legitimizing their claim to Taiwan
Reposted by Tobita Chow
“Like, it was the most miserable day of my whole life. But I would do it again because I think that people need to know how evil ICE is and that this is happening." www.thehandbasket.co/p/queer-tran...
Queer trans ICE protester in small Minn. city recounts agents' violence and humiliation
Alice Valentine of St. Cloud was pepper sprayed and jailed by ICE for trying to protect immigrant neighbors.
www.thehandbasket.co
January 17, 2026 at 3:43 AM
“Like, it was the most miserable day of my whole life. But I would do it again because I think that people need to know how evil ICE is and that this is happening." www.thehandbasket.co/p/queer-tran...
Reposted by Tobita Chow
Woman Seen Pulled from Car Speaks Out: 'Lucky to be alive'
Aliya Rahman "said she was driving to an appointment at the Traumatic Brain Injury Center when the incident occurred."
She asked for a doctor and was taken to a detention center where she lost consciousness.
abcnews.go.com/US/live-upda...
Aliya Rahman "said she was driving to an appointment at the Traumatic Brain Injury Center when the incident occurred."
She asked for a doctor and was taken to a detention center where she lost consciousness.
abcnews.go.com/US/live-upda...
January 16, 2026 at 6:08 PM
Woman Seen Pulled from Car Speaks Out: 'Lucky to be alive'
Aliya Rahman "said she was driving to an appointment at the Traumatic Brain Injury Center when the incident occurred."
She asked for a doctor and was taken to a detention center where she lost consciousness.
abcnews.go.com/US/live-upda...
Aliya Rahman "said she was driving to an appointment at the Traumatic Brain Injury Center when the incident occurred."
She asked for a doctor and was taken to a detention center where she lost consciousness.
abcnews.go.com/US/live-upda...
If our enemies were capable of any realistic analysis of our strengths and weaknesses they would not have gone all in on Minneapolis
January 17, 2026 at 2:46 AM
If our enemies were capable of any realistic analysis of our strengths and weaknesses they would not have gone all in on Minneapolis
Reposted by Tobita Chow
The beating heart of a fighting labor movement is in Minnesota. One of the key battles for the future of working people will be determined there. Trump’s goons are treating their assault on the state as a workshop for what to do next. Solidarity is the answer.
labornotes.org/2026/01/will...
labornotes.org/2026/01/will...
Will ICE Ignite a Mass Strike in Minnesota?
Minnesota appears to be in gear for a mass uprising. Unions, community organizations, faith leaders, and small businesses there are calling for a statewide day of “no work (except for emergency servic...
labornotes.org
January 16, 2026 at 11:40 PM
The beating heart of a fighting labor movement is in Minnesota. One of the key battles for the future of working people will be determined there. Trump’s goons are treating their assault on the state as a workshop for what to do next. Solidarity is the answer.
labornotes.org/2026/01/will...
labornotes.org/2026/01/will...
If Chinese EVs get established in both Canada and Mexico is the US going to be able to maintian its moat solo?
January 17, 2026 at 1:58 AM
If Chinese EVs get established in both Canada and Mexico is the US going to be able to maintian its moat solo?
Reposted by Tobita Chow
ICE has kidnapped so many people from their cars that the city had to put out this statement. Let that sink in.
Vehicles that are abandoned due to an ICE detention and towed to the City's impound lot will be released to their owners or a representative at no cost.
Learn more: https://www.minneapolismn.gov/getting-around/parking-driving/impound-lot/#d.en.200746
Learn more: https://www.minneapolismn.gov/getting-around/parking-driving/impound-lot/#d.en.200746
January 16, 2026 at 11:42 PM
ICE has kidnapped so many people from their cars that the city had to put out this statement. Let that sink in.
Reposted by Tobita Chow
Here’s a dirty little secret, according to studies - people usually turn in things they’ve found. For example, people usually return wallets and before you ask, rates of wallet return are actually higher ⬆️ when they have cash inside (going from about 51% return rate to about 60% return rate).
My wife left her bag on the MTA yesterday and today… it was at lost and found! Somebody actually went through the trouble.
Given how absolute shit things are, this was an unexpected kindness. I credit the good feelings engendered by the Mamdani administration. :)
Also the good people at the MTA.
Given how absolute shit things are, this was an unexpected kindness. I credit the good feelings engendered by the Mamdani administration. :)
Also the good people at the MTA.
January 16, 2026 at 5:51 PM
Here’s a dirty little secret, according to studies - people usually turn in things they’ve found. For example, people usually return wallets and before you ask, rates of wallet return are actually higher ⬆️ when they have cash inside (going from about 51% return rate to about 60% return rate).
Reposted by Tobita Chow
I keep seeing it without a source link, so here it is:
January 16, 2026
MINNEAPOLIS LABOR UNION DELEGATION AND LOCAL REGIONAL LABOR BODIES ENDORSE JANUARY 23: DAY OF TRUTH AND FREEDOM
NO WORK, SCHOOL, OR SHOPPING
minneapolisunions.org/system/files...
January 16, 2026
MINNEAPOLIS LABOR UNION DELEGATION AND LOCAL REGIONAL LABOR BODIES ENDORSE JANUARY 23: DAY OF TRUTH AND FREEDOM
NO WORK, SCHOOL, OR SHOPPING
minneapolisunions.org/system/files...
January 16, 2026 at 11:40 PM
I keep seeing it without a source link, so here it is:
January 16, 2026
MINNEAPOLIS LABOR UNION DELEGATION AND LOCAL REGIONAL LABOR BODIES ENDORSE JANUARY 23: DAY OF TRUTH AND FREEDOM
NO WORK, SCHOOL, OR SHOPPING
minneapolisunions.org/system/files...
January 16, 2026
MINNEAPOLIS LABOR UNION DELEGATION AND LOCAL REGIONAL LABOR BODIES ENDORSE JANUARY 23: DAY OF TRUTH AND FREEDOM
NO WORK, SCHOOL, OR SHOPPING
minneapolisunions.org/system/files...
Reposted by Tobita Chow
It’s been reported locally, but I’m not sure how much national notice this has gotten. As part of this invasion by shithead goons, they are putting ICE agents in jetbridges and other parts of the airport at Minneapolis-Saint Paul. If you are flying Delta via MSP, you are putting yourself at risk.
ICE agents to begin checking documents at MSP airport, patrol jet bridges - Minneapolis / St. Paul Business Journal
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents will begin checking documents of travelers and workers at MSP airport, with patrols inside jet bridges.
www.bizjournals.com
January 16, 2026 at 4:11 AM
It’s been reported locally, but I’m not sure how much national notice this has gotten. As part of this invasion by shithead goons, they are putting ICE agents in jetbridges and other parts of the airport at Minneapolis-Saint Paul. If you are flying Delta via MSP, you are putting yourself at risk.
Reposted by Tobita Chow
In case you didn’t get the memo, everyone is feeling very Chinese these days. Chronically online people like @lmatsakis.bsky.social and I have been tracking the zeitgeist of "You met me at a very Chinese time of my life," "Chinamaxxing," and all other variations. Here's why everyone is saying it:
Why Everyone Is Suddenly in a ‘Very Chinese Time’ in Their Lives
The viral meme isn’t really about China or actual Chinese people. It's a symbol of what Americans believe their own country has lost.
www.wired.com
January 16, 2026 at 4:34 PM
In case you didn’t get the memo, everyone is feeling very Chinese these days. Chronically online people like @lmatsakis.bsky.social and I have been tracking the zeitgeist of "You met me at a very Chinese time of my life," "Chinamaxxing," and all other variations. Here's why everyone is saying it:
Reposted by Tobita Chow
Apparently Grok has two things and they are both kinda Nazi
pretty sure he meant the other thing, grok, but very cool that those are your two things
January 16, 2026 at 6:12 PM
Apparently Grok has two things and they are both kinda Nazi
Reposted by Tobita Chow
The House voted 341 to 79 to fund Trump's war-mongering foreign policy agenda.
Only 57 Democrats voted NO.
clerk.house.gov/evs/2026/rol...
Only 57 Democrats voted NO.
clerk.house.gov/evs/2026/rol...
January 14, 2026 at 11:48 PM
The House voted 341 to 79 to fund Trump's war-mongering foreign policy agenda.
Only 57 Democrats voted NO.
clerk.house.gov/evs/2026/rol...
Only 57 Democrats voted NO.
clerk.house.gov/evs/2026/rol...
Reposted by Tobita Chow
"“They specifically asked me if I knew where the Hmong families lived on my street & in the neighborhood.” Lugert-Thom responded, “I don’t know anything about that” & she said they then asked, “Well, what about the Asian families?”"
"“I was a bit shaken & a bit shocked of what I was asked to do.”"
"“I was a bit shaken & a bit shocked of what I was asked to do.”"
A St. Paul resident says federal officers knocked on her door and asked her to identify Hmong and Asian households in her North End neighborhood last week.
ICE in St. Paul: Man roughly detained at gas station, Border Patrol chief jeered in Midway Target
Videos and photos show a prevalence of federal agents in St. Paul recently.
trib.al
January 13, 2026 at 10:37 PM
"“They specifically asked me if I knew where the Hmong families lived on my street & in the neighborhood.” Lugert-Thom responded, “I don’t know anything about that” & she said they then asked, “Well, what about the Asian families?”"
"“I was a bit shaken & a bit shocked of what I was asked to do.”"
"“I was a bit shaken & a bit shocked of what I was asked to do.”"
Hwa Jeong Kim, St Paul Council VP, said on Instagram that she got reports of ICE showing up at people's doors and asking, among other things "Do you know any of your Hmong neighbors?" or even "Do you know any Asian people in your neighborhood?"
January 14, 2026 at 6:32 AM
Hwa Jeong Kim, St Paul Council VP, said on Instagram that she got reports of ICE showing up at people's doors and asking, among other things "Do you know any of your Hmong neighbors?" or even "Do you know any Asian people in your neighborhood?"
