Finbarr Bermingham
@fbermingham.bsky.social
Senior Correspondent for Europe at the South China Morning Post.
Tracking the shifting tectonic plates of global trade and geopolitics.
All posts should be heard in a Fermanagh accent.
Tracking the shifting tectonic plates of global trade and geopolitics.
All posts should be heard in a Fermanagh accent.
GG was launched as an alternative to Belt & Road. Leaders would say "this doesn't come with strings attached"
I found this from EU in Liberia a month ago: "𝑶𝒖𝒓 𝒐𝒇𝒇𝒆𝒓 𝒕𝒐 𝒐𝒖𝒓 𝒑𝒂𝒓𝒕𝒏𝒆𝒓𝒔 𝒊𝒔 𝒕𝒓𝒂𝒏𝒔𝒑𝒂𝒓𝒆𝒏𝒕, 𝒘𝒊𝒕𝒉 𝒏𝒐 𝒔𝒕𝒓𝒊𝒏𝒈𝒔 𝒂𝒕𝒕𝒂𝒄𝒉𝒆𝒅"
I found this from EU in Liberia a month ago: "𝑶𝒖𝒓 𝒐𝒇𝒇𝒆𝒓 𝒕𝒐 𝒐𝒖𝒓 𝒑𝒂𝒓𝒕𝒏𝒆𝒓𝒔 𝒊𝒔 𝒕𝒓𝒂𝒏𝒔𝒑𝒂𝒓𝒆𝒏𝒕, 𝒘𝒊𝒕𝒉 𝒏𝒐 𝒔𝒕𝒓𝒊𝒏𝒈𝒔 𝒂𝒕𝒕𝒂𝒄𝒉𝒆𝒅"
November 10, 2025 at 7:38 PM
GG was launched as an alternative to Belt & Road. Leaders would say "this doesn't come with strings attached"
I found this from EU in Liberia a month ago: "𝑶𝒖𝒓 𝒐𝒇𝒇𝒆𝒓 𝒕𝒐 𝒐𝒖𝒓 𝒑𝒂𝒓𝒕𝒏𝒆𝒓𝒔 𝒊𝒔 𝒕𝒓𝒂𝒏𝒔𝒑𝒂𝒓𝒆𝒏𝒕, 𝒘𝒊𝒕𝒉 𝒏𝒐 𝒔𝒕𝒓𝒊𝒏𝒈𝒔 𝒂𝒕𝒕𝒂𝒄𝒉𝒆𝒅"
I found this from EU in Liberia a month ago: "𝑶𝒖𝒓 𝒐𝒇𝒇𝒆𝒓 𝒕𝒐 𝒐𝒖𝒓 𝒑𝒂𝒓𝒕𝒏𝒆𝒓𝒔 𝒊𝒔 𝒕𝒓𝒂𝒏𝒔𝒑𝒂𝒓𝒆𝒏𝒕, 𝒘𝒊𝒕𝒉 𝒏𝒐 𝒔𝒕𝒓𝒊𝒏𝒈𝒔 𝒂𝒕𝒕𝒂𝒄𝒉𝒆𝒅"
Just getting to Mofcom's statement on Nexperia yesterday
"China has taken concrete measures to grant exemptions for compliant exports for civilian use.... we welcome EU to continue exerting its influence to urge Netherlands to correct its erroneous practices as soon as possible"
"China has taken concrete measures to grant exemptions for compliant exports for civilian use.... we welcome EU to continue exerting its influence to urge Netherlands to correct its erroneous practices as soon as possible"
November 10, 2025 at 12:06 PM
Just getting to Mofcom's statement on Nexperia yesterday
"China has taken concrete measures to grant exemptions for compliant exports for civilian use.... we welcome EU to continue exerting its influence to urge Netherlands to correct its erroneous practices as soon as possible"
"China has taken concrete measures to grant exemptions for compliant exports for civilian use.... we welcome EU to continue exerting its influence to urge Netherlands to correct its erroneous practices as soon as possible"
Today China's foreign ministry defended the CG in Osaka, according to Kyodo
"China on Monday defended comments made by a Chinese diplomat criticizing Takaichi's recent remarks about possible involvement in a Taiwan emergency, saying Tokyo had hinted at military intervention"
"China on Monday defended comments made by a Chinese diplomat criticizing Takaichi's recent remarks about possible involvement in a Taiwan emergency, saying Tokyo had hinted at military intervention"
November 10, 2025 at 9:22 AM
Today China's foreign ministry defended the CG in Osaka, according to Kyodo
"China on Monday defended comments made by a Chinese diplomat criticizing Takaichi's recent remarks about possible involvement in a Taiwan emergency, saying Tokyo had hinted at military intervention"
"China on Monday defended comments made by a Chinese diplomat criticizing Takaichi's recent remarks about possible involvement in a Taiwan emergency, saying Tokyo had hinted at military intervention"
Kaja Kallas arriving at EU Latin America summit, in place of von der Leyen
Q. What do you say about the absence of some personalities like Ursula von der Leyen?
You have to ask those people who are absent, but, there is a saying, let us be grateful for those who are present.
Q. What do you say about the absence of some personalities like Ursula von der Leyen?
You have to ask those people who are absent, but, there is a saying, let us be grateful for those who are present.
November 9, 2025 at 6:18 PM
Kaja Kallas arriving at EU Latin America summit, in place of von der Leyen
Q. What do you say about the absence of some personalities like Ursula von der Leyen?
You have to ask those people who are absent, but, there is a saying, let us be grateful for those who are present.
Q. What do you say about the absence of some personalities like Ursula von der Leyen?
You have to ask those people who are absent, but, there is a saying, let us be grateful for those who are present.
First time I've cooked roast duck. Pretty good! 🦆
November 9, 2025 at 3:38 PM
First time I've cooked roast duck. Pretty good! 🦆
Meanwhile on the bird site, reporting on the Taiwan VP's speech at the EP means you're either trashing EU-China ties or speaking for Beijing.
Choose your adventure!
Choose your adventure!
November 9, 2025 at 12:49 PM
Meanwhile on the bird site, reporting on the Taiwan VP's speech at the EP means you're either trashing EU-China ties or speaking for Beijing.
Choose your adventure!
Choose your adventure!
Trump grants Orban an exemption from sanctions to continue buying Russian oil
www.bloomberg.com/ne...
www.bloomberg.com/ne...
November 7, 2025 at 9:13 PM
Trump grants Orban an exemption from sanctions to continue buying Russian oil
www.bloomberg.com/ne...
www.bloomberg.com/ne...
I guess 9 minutes is a long time in politics
November 7, 2025 at 8:16 PM
I guess 9 minutes is a long time in politics
Not in Brussels to see this today, but Taiwan's Vice President just delivered a speech at the European Parliament
November 7, 2025 at 3:28 PM
Not in Brussels to see this today, but Taiwan's Vice President just delivered a speech at the European Parliament
New Chinese trade data for Oct out today - slightly more stable numbers for EU:
EU:
Exports to China up 4%
Imports from China up 0.9%
China's trade surplus down 2%
Germany
Exports to China up 5.3%
Imports from China up 5.4%
China's trade surplus up 5.6%
EU:
Exports to China up 4%
Imports from China up 0.9%
China's trade surplus down 2%
Germany
Exports to China up 5.3%
Imports from China up 5.4%
China's trade surplus up 5.6%
November 7, 2025 at 10:56 AM
New Chinese trade data for Oct out today - slightly more stable numbers for EU:
EU:
Exports to China up 4%
Imports from China up 0.9%
China's trade surplus down 2%
Germany
Exports to China up 5.3%
Imports from China up 5.4%
China's trade surplus up 5.6%
EU:
Exports to China up 4%
Imports from China up 0.9%
China's trade surplus down 2%
Germany
Exports to China up 5.3%
Imports from China up 5.4%
China's trade surplus up 5.6%
Chinese state owned rolling stock manufacturer CRRC targeted again by EU foreign subsidies regulation.
This time over a procurement ts der for light rail vehicles in Portugal.
This time over a procurement ts der for light rail vehicles in Portugal.
November 5, 2025 at 12:39 PM
Chinese state owned rolling stock manufacturer CRRC targeted again by EU foreign subsidies regulation.
This time over a procurement ts der for light rail vehicles in Portugal.
This time over a procurement ts der for light rail vehicles in Portugal.
Very good read @JohnDelury: What China wants from Europe
"First thing Europeans must keep in mind is that at the level of grand strategy Europe isn't a priority. US remains the unavoidable great power China confronts... Beijing in a funny way has an America First foreign policy"
"First thing Europeans must keep in mind is that at the level of grand strategy Europe isn't a priority. US remains the unavoidable great power China confronts... Beijing in a funny way has an America First foreign policy"
November 5, 2025 at 10:07 AM
Very good read @JohnDelury: What China wants from Europe
"First thing Europeans must keep in mind is that at the level of grand strategy Europe isn't a priority. US remains the unavoidable great power China confronts... Beijing in a funny way has an America First foreign policy"
"First thing Europeans must keep in mind is that at the level of grand strategy Europe isn't a priority. US remains the unavoidable great power China confronts... Beijing in a funny way has an America First foreign policy"
On lifting of EP sanctions
- "emphasises that the decision was communicated in an ambiguous way and that the official announcement by the relevant authorities was not made public
- notes in press conferences of Chinese MFA, the term ‘sanctions’ is never mentioned"
- "emphasises that the decision was communicated in an ambiguous way and that the official announcement by the relevant authorities was not made public
- notes in press conferences of Chinese MFA, the term ‘sanctions’ is never mentioned"
November 4, 2025 at 10:21 AM
On lifting of EP sanctions
- "emphasises that the decision was communicated in an ambiguous way and that the official announcement by the relevant authorities was not made public
- notes in press conferences of Chinese MFA, the term ‘sanctions’ is never mentioned"
- "emphasises that the decision was communicated in an ambiguous way and that the official announcement by the relevant authorities was not made public
- notes in press conferences of Chinese MFA, the term ‘sanctions’ is never mentioned"
On Taiwan
- work with Member States on closer security coordination, including naval presence and joint exercises, to reinforce stability in the region
- fulfil the pledge made by the Commission before Parliament to work towards deterring China from invading Taiwan
- work with Member States on closer security coordination, including naval presence and joint exercises, to reinforce stability in the region
- fulfil the pledge made by the Commission before Parliament to work towards deterring China from invading Taiwan
November 4, 2025 at 10:20 AM
On Taiwan
- work with Member States on closer security coordination, including naval presence and joint exercises, to reinforce stability in the region
- fulfil the pledge made by the Commission before Parliament to work towards deterring China from invading Taiwan
- work with Member States on closer security coordination, including naval presence and joint exercises, to reinforce stability in the region
- fulfil the pledge made by the Commission before Parliament to work towards deterring China from invading Taiwan
European Parliament's foreign affairs committee has a new draft China position paper. Recommendations for Council / Commission
"Regard China as a decisive enabler of the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine and strongly reiterate condemnation of China’s support"
"Regard China as a decisive enabler of the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine and strongly reiterate condemnation of China’s support"
November 4, 2025 at 10:20 AM
European Parliament's foreign affairs committee has a new draft China position paper. Recommendations for Council / Commission
"Regard China as a decisive enabler of the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine and strongly reiterate condemnation of China’s support"
"Regard China as a decisive enabler of the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine and strongly reiterate condemnation of China’s support"
Doing the rounds on WeChat, a post claiming that there was a resolution on Nexperia agreed yesterday.
Maybe more instructive to view it as a wish list from Beijing than an accurate reportage of facts
Maybe more instructive to view it as a wish list from Beijing than an accurate reportage of facts
November 4, 2025 at 9:44 AM
Doing the rounds on WeChat, a post claiming that there was a resolution on Nexperia agreed yesterday.
Maybe more instructive to view it as a wish list from Beijing than an accurate reportage of facts
Maybe more instructive to view it as a wish list from Beijing than an accurate reportage of facts
Mystery deepens on Nexperia this morning.
After White House claimed it was solved and Sefcovic hailed progress, a MOFCOM statement today throws the Dutch government under the bus
"The Dutch side continues to act unilaterally without taking concrete steps to resolve the issue"
After White House claimed it was solved and Sefcovic hailed progress, a MOFCOM statement today throws the Dutch government under the bus
"The Dutch side continues to act unilaterally without taking concrete steps to resolve the issue"
November 4, 2025 at 7:40 AM
Mystery deepens on Nexperia this morning.
After White House claimed it was solved and Sefcovic hailed progress, a MOFCOM statement today throws the Dutch government under the bus
"The Dutch side continues to act unilaterally without taking concrete steps to resolve the issue"
After White House claimed it was solved and Sefcovic hailed progress, a MOFCOM statement today throws the Dutch government under the bus
"The Dutch side continues to act unilaterally without taking concrete steps to resolve the issue"
Big lecture on Taiwan, suggesting Wadephul's comments on this possibly led to the fiasco last week
"China unconditionally supported German reunification & hopes Germany, having experienced pain of division, can fully support China in safeguarding its national sovereignty and territorial integrity"
"China unconditionally supported German reunification & hopes Germany, having experienced pain of division, can fully support China in safeguarding its national sovereignty and territorial integrity"
November 4, 2025 at 7:36 AM
Big lecture on Taiwan, suggesting Wadephul's comments on this possibly led to the fiasco last week
"China unconditionally supported German reunification & hopes Germany, having experienced pain of division, can fully support China in safeguarding its national sovereignty and territorial integrity"
"China unconditionally supported German reunification & hopes Germany, having experienced pain of division, can fully support China in safeguarding its national sovereignty and territorial integrity"
Sefcovic seems to be referring to the breakthrough in US-China talks over Nexperia, without referring to what exactly it is he's welcoming
November 3, 2025 at 7:48 PM
Sefcovic seems to be referring to the breakthrough in US-China talks over Nexperia, without referring to what exactly it is he's welcoming
One passage stuck with me: in 2020, the US was so determined to stop ASML from sending an EUV lithography machine to China’s SMIC that an NSC official said “the president should send the US Navy after the shipment if necessary.”
November 3, 2025 at 10:22 AM
One passage stuck with me: in 2020, the US was so determined to stop ASML from sending an EUV lithography machine to China’s SMIC that an NSC official said “the president should send the US Navy after the shipment if necessary.”
Chinese foreign ministry just confirmed King Felipe VI of Spain will visit China from November 10-13
November 3, 2025 at 9:47 AM
Chinese foreign ministry just confirmed King Felipe VI of Spain will visit China from November 10-13
South Fermanagh. Cuilcagh boardwalk, aka Stairway to Heaven.
Not often blessed with blue skies in Nov 1 around here. Made the most of it
Not often blessed with blue skies in Nov 1 around here. Made the most of it
November 1, 2025 at 3:57 PM
South Fermanagh. Cuilcagh boardwalk, aka Stairway to Heaven.
Not often blessed with blue skies in Nov 1 around here. Made the most of it
Not often blessed with blue skies in Nov 1 around here. Made the most of it
Audi is reluctant to make predictions about Nexperia
CFO Rittersberger says production is currently running according to plan and supplies are in place, but the issue is very complex. A spokesperson adds that one is never immune to short-notice changes
www.cio.de/article/4082...
CFO Rittersberger says production is currently running according to plan and supplies are in place, but the issue is very complex. A spokesperson adds that one is never immune to short-notice changes
www.cio.de/article/4082...
October 31, 2025 at 9:22 AM
Audi is reluctant to make predictions about Nexperia
CFO Rittersberger says production is currently running according to plan and supplies are in place, but the issue is very complex. A spokesperson adds that one is never immune to short-notice changes
www.cio.de/article/4082...
CFO Rittersberger says production is currently running according to plan and supplies are in place, but the issue is very complex. A spokesperson adds that one is never immune to short-notice changes
www.cio.de/article/4082...
From the Mofcom statement, looks as though China's expanded rare earth controls from Oct 9 are suspended, as is the expansion of the US entity list (which would have included Nexperia)
Hopefully global pause on rare earths, but April controls seem still in place
www.mofcom.gov.cn/syxwfb/art/2...
Hopefully global pause on rare earths, but April controls seem still in place
www.mofcom.gov.cn/syxwfb/art/2...
October 30, 2025 at 8:37 AM
From the Mofcom statement, looks as though China's expanded rare earth controls from Oct 9 are suspended, as is the expansion of the US entity list (which would have included Nexperia)
Hopefully global pause on rare earths, but April controls seem still in place
www.mofcom.gov.cn/syxwfb/art/2...
Hopefully global pause on rare earths, but April controls seem still in place
www.mofcom.gov.cn/syxwfb/art/2...
Brilliant nugget on this from la Matinale Européene
VDL told "commissioners not to mention ACI in connection with Nexperia or rare-earth disputes with China. Negotiation not escalation the current priority—given Europe has no viable alternative to Chinese supplies of chips & magnets"
VDL told "commissioners not to mention ACI in connection with Nexperia or rare-earth disputes with China. Negotiation not escalation the current priority—given Europe has no viable alternative to Chinese supplies of chips & magnets"
October 30, 2025 at 8:05 AM
Brilliant nugget on this from la Matinale Européene
VDL told "commissioners not to mention ACI in connection with Nexperia or rare-earth disputes with China. Negotiation not escalation the current priority—given Europe has no viable alternative to Chinese supplies of chips & magnets"
VDL told "commissioners not to mention ACI in connection with Nexperia or rare-earth disputes with China. Negotiation not escalation the current priority—given Europe has no viable alternative to Chinese supplies of chips & magnets"