Wen-Ti Sung
@wentisung.bsky.social
Politics of the China, Taiwan, and US triangle. Tea leaf reader and bubble tea drinker. @ANU, @AtlanticCouncil.
https://reporter.anu.edu.au/people/wen-ti-sung
https://reporter.anu.edu.au/people/wen-ti-sung
China's ongoing military purge is devastating its Navy and South China Sea forces, and fueling more grayzone coercion across South & Southeast Asias.
Last week China's 3rd aircraft carrier the 'Fujian' officially entered service in Hainan Province, the closest province to maritime SE Asia. /1🧵
Last week China's 3rd aircraft carrier the 'Fujian' officially entered service in Hainan Province, the closest province to maritime SE Asia. /1🧵
November 10, 2025 at 5:05 AM
China's ongoing military purge is devastating its Navy and South China Sea forces, and fueling more grayzone coercion across South & Southeast Asias.
Last week China's 3rd aircraft carrier the 'Fujian' officially entered service in Hainan Province, the closest province to maritime SE Asia. /1🧵
Last week China's 3rd aircraft carrier the 'Fujian' officially entered service in Hainan Province, the closest province to maritime SE Asia. /1🧵
US used to rally allies to deter China together. Like Antony Blinken used to say, they "approached China from a position of strength (in numbers)".
Now Europeans rush to accompany Zellensky as he meets Trump, also to help him "approach Trump from a position of strength"
www.bbc.com/news/article...
Now Europeans rush to accompany Zellensky as he meets Trump, also to help him "approach Trump from a position of strength"
www.bbc.com/news/article...
European leaders rush to US to help Ukraine avoid 'capitulation’
The heads of state hope to stop Trump from threatening long-term European security, writes James Landale.
www.bbc.com
August 18, 2025 at 4:55 PM
US used to rally allies to deter China together. Like Antony Blinken used to say, they "approached China from a position of strength (in numbers)".
Now Europeans rush to accompany Zellensky as he meets Trump, also to help him "approach Trump from a position of strength"
www.bbc.com/news/article...
Now Europeans rush to accompany Zellensky as he meets Trump, also to help him "approach Trump from a position of strength"
www.bbc.com/news/article...
Reposted by Wen-Ti Sung
Publication Day for Ghost Nation is July 17 - now only 45 days away.
Pre-order today and be among the first to read Taiwan's story, as told by many of the people who have shaped this inspiring and vitally important country.
www.panmacmillan.com/authors/chri...
Pre-order today and be among the first to read Taiwan's story, as told by many of the people who have shaped this inspiring and vitally important country.
www.panmacmillan.com/authors/chri...
June 2, 2025 at 12:20 PM
Publication Day for Ghost Nation is July 17 - now only 45 days away.
Pre-order today and be among the first to read Taiwan's story, as told by many of the people who have shaped this inspiring and vitally important country.
www.panmacmillan.com/authors/chri...
Pre-order today and be among the first to read Taiwan's story, as told by many of the people who have shaped this inspiring and vitally important country.
www.panmacmillan.com/authors/chri...
Big news re Shangri-La Dialogue 2025: For the first time since 2019, Chinese Defense Minister will not be attending.
China is allowing SLD25 to become US DefSec Pete Hegeseth’s one-man show, and it'll be a missed opportunity for US-China to stabilize ties amid uncertainty.
Why? /1
China is allowing SLD25 to become US DefSec Pete Hegeseth’s one-man show, and it'll be a missed opportunity for US-China to stabilize ties amid uncertainty.
Why? /1
May 29, 2025 at 9:36 AM
Big news re Shangri-La Dialogue 2025: For the first time since 2019, Chinese Defense Minister will not be attending.
China is allowing SLD25 to become US DefSec Pete Hegeseth’s one-man show, and it'll be a missed opportunity for US-China to stabilize ties amid uncertainty.
Why? /1
China is allowing SLD25 to become US DefSec Pete Hegeseth’s one-man show, and it'll be a missed opportunity for US-China to stabilize ties amid uncertainty.
Why? /1
Pleasure to do a show with my esteemed colleague and friend, Charles Wu, to discuss #Japan’s balancing act between Beijing and Washington, starting with Japanese PM Ishiba’s recent Southeast Asian charm offensive.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=RAsM...
www.youtube.com/watch?v=RAsM...
Tokyo Walks Tightrope between Washington and Beijing | Taiwan Talks EP621
YouTube video by Taiwan Talks
www.youtube.com
May 6, 2025 at 4:15 PM
Pleasure to do a show with my esteemed colleague and friend, Charles Wu, to discuss #Japan’s balancing act between Beijing and Washington, starting with Japanese PM Ishiba’s recent Southeast Asian charm offensive.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=RAsM...
www.youtube.com/watch?v=RAsM...
Reposted by Wen-Ti Sung
WELKER: Your secretary of state says everyone who's here, citizens and non-citizens, deserve due process. Do you agree?
TRUMP: I don't know. I'm not a lawyer. I don't know.
WELKER: Don't you need to uphold the Constitution?
TRUMP: I don't know
TRUMP: I don't know. I'm not a lawyer. I don't know.
WELKER: Don't you need to uphold the Constitution?
TRUMP: I don't know
May 4, 2025 at 1:58 PM
WELKER: Your secretary of state says everyone who's here, citizens and non-citizens, deserve due process. Do you agree?
TRUMP: I don't know. I'm not a lawyer. I don't know.
WELKER: Don't you need to uphold the Constitution?
TRUMP: I don't know
TRUMP: I don't know. I'm not a lawyer. I don't know.
WELKER: Don't you need to uphold the Constitution?
TRUMP: I don't know
Reposted by Wen-Ti Sung
1/6
As always, the idea that countries like Japan can use their massive holdings of US Treasuries as "leverage" in trade talks is a fantasy. For decades we have heard similar warnings from other countries, and yet no one ever uses this leverage.
www.ft.com/content/912f...
As always, the idea that countries like Japan can use their massive holdings of US Treasuries as "leverage" in trade talks is a fantasy. For decades we have heard similar warnings from other countries, and yet no one ever uses this leverage.
www.ft.com/content/912f...
Japan says US Treasury holdings could be ‘card’ in trade talks
Finance minister Katsunobu Kato hints that country’s more than $1tn in Treasuries gives it leverage in negotiations
www.ft.com
May 2, 2025 at 2:53 PM
1/6
As always, the idea that countries like Japan can use their massive holdings of US Treasuries as "leverage" in trade talks is a fantasy. For decades we have heard similar warnings from other countries, and yet no one ever uses this leverage.
www.ft.com/content/912f...
As always, the idea that countries like Japan can use their massive holdings of US Treasuries as "leverage" in trade talks is a fantasy. For decades we have heard similar warnings from other countries, and yet no one ever uses this leverage.
www.ft.com/content/912f...
I gave some comments to @BBC on how Trump and Xi Jinping can find ways to re-engage and rein in the trade war.
Neither side is going to get 100% of what they want. So finding an off-ramp while preserving face requires both sides to be willing to show some degree of constructive ambiguity. 🧵 /1
Neither side is going to get 100% of what they want. So finding an off-ramp while preserving face requires both sides to be willing to show some degree of constructive ambiguity. 🧵 /1
May 2, 2025 at 4:44 AM
I gave some comments to @BBC on how Trump and Xi Jinping can find ways to re-engage and rein in the trade war.
Neither side is going to get 100% of what they want. So finding an off-ramp while preserving face requires both sides to be willing to show some degree of constructive ambiguity. 🧵 /1
Neither side is going to get 100% of what they want. So finding an off-ramp while preserving face requires both sides to be willing to show some degree of constructive ambiguity. 🧵 /1
Reposted by Wen-Ti Sung
"and seek dialogue based on equality, respect and mutual benefit,” Guo added. “Any claims about the progress of China-US trade negotiations are groundless as trying to catch the wind and have no factual basis,” the Commerce Ministry said the same day. open.substack.com/pub/dexter/p/t
open.substack.com
May 1, 2025 at 5:52 AM
"and seek dialogue based on equality, respect and mutual benefit,” Guo added. “Any claims about the progress of China-US trade negotiations are groundless as trying to catch the wind and have no factual basis,” the Commerce Ministry said the same day. open.substack.com/pub/dexter/p/t
Reposted by Wen-Ti Sung
SCOOP: A young man with no government experience who hasn’t even finished his undergrad degree is working for Elon Musk’s DOGE at the Department of Housing and Urban Development and has been tasked with using AI to rewrite the agency’s rules and regulations.
DOGE Put a College Student in Charge of Using AI to Rewrite Regulations
A DOGE operative has been tasked with using AI to propose rewrites to the Department of Housing and Urban Development's regulations—an effort sources are told will roll out across government.
www.wired.com
April 30, 2025 at 7:41 PM
SCOOP: A young man with no government experience who hasn’t even finished his undergrad degree is working for Elon Musk’s DOGE at the Department of Housing and Urban Development and has been tasked with using AI to rewrite the agency’s rules and regulations.
Reposted by Wen-Ti Sung
Live streams of Canadian election night coverage:
CBC: youtube.com/watch?v=SATB...
CTV: youtube.com/watch?v=kWUG...
Global News: youtube.com/watch?v=tHOF...
CBC: youtube.com/watch?v=SATB...
CTV: youtube.com/watch?v=kWUG...
Global News: youtube.com/watch?v=tHOF...
April 29, 2025 at 12:28 AM
Live streams of Canadian election night coverage:
CBC: youtube.com/watch?v=SATB...
CTV: youtube.com/watch?v=kWUG...
Global News: youtube.com/watch?v=tHOF...
CBC: youtube.com/watch?v=SATB...
CTV: youtube.com/watch?v=kWUG...
Global News: youtube.com/watch?v=tHOF...
Reposted by Wen-Ti Sung
Bluesky does not suppress posts with external links like X, and there is a massive difference in engagement on posts with external links between the two apps. Elon wants you to stay on X and never leave.
April 25, 2025 at 4:43 PM
Bluesky does not suppress posts with external links like X, and there is a massive difference in engagement on posts with external links between the two apps. Elon wants you to stay on X and never leave.
How to circumvent Trump's tariffs against Chinese goods that are "Made in China":
April 24, 2025 at 10:19 AM
How to circumvent Trump's tariffs against Chinese goods that are "Made in China":
Reposted by Wen-Ti Sung
1/8
This Caixin article summarizes various proposals by Chinese academics on how to respond to Trump's tariffs. Most of these proposals focus on boosting domestic demand, but some involve expanding "free-trade" relationships with other countries, which...
www.caixinglobal.com/2025-04-18/i...
This Caixin article summarizes various proposals by Chinese academics on how to respond to Trump's tariffs. Most of these proposals focus on boosting domestic demand, but some involve expanding "free-trade" relationships with other countries, which...
www.caixinglobal.com/2025-04-18/i...
In Depth: How China Can Counter Trump’s Tariffs
Analysts recommend expanding fiscal deficits and directing funds to boost household spending and public services, while also seeking global alliances
www.caixinglobal.com
April 23, 2025 at 4:56 AM
1/8
This Caixin article summarizes various proposals by Chinese academics on how to respond to Trump's tariffs. Most of these proposals focus on boosting domestic demand, but some involve expanding "free-trade" relationships with other countries, which...
www.caixinglobal.com/2025-04-18/i...
This Caixin article summarizes various proposals by Chinese academics on how to respond to Trump's tariffs. Most of these proposals focus on boosting domestic demand, but some involve expanding "free-trade" relationships with other countries, which...
www.caixinglobal.com/2025-04-18/i...
Reposted by Wen-Ti Sung
5/5
Either we need a trading regime in which countries don't compete by suppressing domestic demand, or one in which the US (and the UK and Canada) stop accommodating global savings imbalances through their open financial markets.
Either we need a trading regime in which countries don't compete by suppressing domestic demand, or one in which the US (and the UK and Canada) stop accommodating global savings imbalances through their open financial markets.
April 18, 2025 at 3:23 AM
5/5
Either we need a trading regime in which countries don't compete by suppressing domestic demand, or one in which the US (and the UK and Canada) stop accommodating global savings imbalances through their open financial markets.
Either we need a trading regime in which countries don't compete by suppressing domestic demand, or one in which the US (and the UK and Canada) stop accommodating global savings imbalances through their open financial markets.
China Raises Tariffs on U.S. Imports to 125%, matching Trump's move from a day ago, and claims it will ignore any further increases announced by Trump from here.
What's happening? China is trying to do 3 things: /1
What's happening? China is trying to do 3 things: /1
April 11, 2025 at 9:16 AM
China Raises Tariffs on U.S. Imports to 125%, matching Trump's move from a day ago, and claims it will ignore any further increases announced by Trump from here.
What's happening? China is trying to do 3 things: /1
What's happening? China is trying to do 3 things: /1
The irony.
#China holds top-level "Periphery Working Conference" today to build economic ties with its neighbors (mainly Central & SE Asian) to consolidate its backyard.
Meanwhile US is alienating its own backyard, by antagonizing Canada & Mexico in ways not seen in over 100 yrs.
#China holds top-level "Periphery Working Conference" today to build economic ties with its neighbors (mainly Central & SE Asian) to consolidate its backyard.
Meanwhile US is alienating its own backyard, by antagonizing Canada & Mexico in ways not seen in over 100 yrs.
April 9, 2025 at 7:10 AM
The irony.
#China holds top-level "Periphery Working Conference" today to build economic ties with its neighbors (mainly Central & SE Asian) to consolidate its backyard.
Meanwhile US is alienating its own backyard, by antagonizing Canada & Mexico in ways not seen in over 100 yrs.
#China holds top-level "Periphery Working Conference" today to build economic ties with its neighbors (mainly Central & SE Asian) to consolidate its backyard.
Meanwhile US is alienating its own backyard, by antagonizing Canada & Mexico in ways not seen in over 100 yrs.
On #TariffWar: today China's official Xinhua News Agency's unofficial scoop account unveils 6 measures Beijing is planning to take to retaliate against Trump's additional 50% tariff threat.
Which six measures? /1
www.sohu.com/a/881202172_...
Which six measures? /1
www.sohu.com/a/881202172_...
对美关税反制，我们得到一些最新消息_中方_美方_中国
具体对美关税反制措施，我们也得到一些最新消息，中方已经准备了至少6大招。 消息人士指出，鉴于美国频繁爆发禽流感，相关方面强烈建议中方，禁止进口美国禽肉，确保中国人民食品安全。很简单，美方根本无视中方出于人道…
www.sohu.com
April 8, 2025 at 11:19 AM
On #TariffWar: today China's official Xinhua News Agency's unofficial scoop account unveils 6 measures Beijing is planning to take to retaliate against Trump's additional 50% tariff threat.
Which six measures? /1
www.sohu.com/a/881202172_...
Which six measures? /1
www.sohu.com/a/881202172_...
Reposted by Wen-Ti Sung
China and the US are "locked into a game of chicken" with tariffs and counter tariffs, said @wentisung.bsky.social .
“Like two race cars driving directly toward each other, whoever swerves first will stand to lose prestige and profit".
www.theguardian.com/world/2025/a...
“Like two race cars driving directly toward each other, whoever swerves first will stand to lose prestige and profit".
www.theguardian.com/world/2025/a...
China vows to ‘fight to the end’ against latest Trump tariff threat
Beijing accuses US of blackmail and adding a ‘mistake on top of a mistake’ as Wednesday deadline for latest levies looms
www.theguardian.com
April 8, 2025 at 5:40 AM
China and the US are "locked into a game of chicken" with tariffs and counter tariffs, said @wentisung.bsky.social .
“Like two race cars driving directly toward each other, whoever swerves first will stand to lose prestige and profit".
www.theguardian.com/world/2025/a...
“Like two race cars driving directly toward each other, whoever swerves first will stand to lose prestige and profit".
www.theguardian.com/world/2025/a...
Trump has threatened #China with an extra 50% tariff.
US and China are locked in a game of chicken, like 2 race cars driving directly toward each other, whoever swerves first will stand to lose prestige and profit.
What is China thinking at the moment? /1 🧵
US and China are locked in a game of chicken, like 2 race cars driving directly toward each other, whoever swerves first will stand to lose prestige and profit.
What is China thinking at the moment? /1 🧵
April 8, 2025 at 5:04 AM
Trump has threatened #China with an extra 50% tariff.
US and China are locked in a game of chicken, like 2 race cars driving directly toward each other, whoever swerves first will stand to lose prestige and profit.
What is China thinking at the moment? /1 🧵
US and China are locked in a game of chicken, like 2 race cars driving directly toward each other, whoever swerves first will stand to lose prestige and profit.
What is China thinking at the moment? /1 🧵
I am quoted in @nytimes.com, re China holding live-fire military drills near Taiwan, code-named "Strait Thunder 2025-A".
China is trying to test US support for Taiwan. If US defaults back to a transactionalist noncommittal posture, it will instill US-skepticism among US friends.../1
China is trying to test US support for Taiwan. If US defaults back to a transactionalist noncommittal posture, it will instill US-skepticism among US friends.../1
April 2, 2025 at 5:53 AM
I am quoted in @nytimes.com, re China holding live-fire military drills near Taiwan, code-named "Strait Thunder 2025-A".
China is trying to test US support for Taiwan. If US defaults back to a transactionalist noncommittal posture, it will instill US-skepticism among US friends.../1
China is trying to test US support for Taiwan. If US defaults back to a transactionalist noncommittal posture, it will instill US-skepticism among US friends.../1
Reposted by Wen-Ti Sung
价值观的完整统一，立场的清晰稳定，知行合一，能够坚持敦厚善良仁义正直，不见利就上不知难而退，不慕强不趋炎附势，不首鼠两端，不过于精明算计，养吾浩然正气。此之为人。
March 16, 2025 at 6:11 AM
价值观的完整统一，立场的清晰稳定，知行合一，能够坚持敦厚善良仁义正直，不见利就上不知难而退，不慕强不趋炎附势，不首鼠两端，不过于精明算计，养吾浩然正气。此之为人。
Reposted by Wen-Ti Sung
🚨New online! @brendanktaylor.bsky.social queries the narrative that Australia has resigned itself to being a dependent ally of the U.S in "Australian agency and the China-US contest for supremacy". ⬇️ #openaccess #academicpublishing #internationalrelations #Australia
tandfonline.com/doi/epdf/10....
tandfonline.com/doi/epdf/10....
March 14, 2025 at 12:03 AM
🚨New online! @brendanktaylor.bsky.social queries the narrative that Australia has resigned itself to being a dependent ally of the U.S in "Australian agency and the China-US contest for supremacy". ⬇️ #openaccess #academicpublishing #internationalrelations #Australia
tandfonline.com/doi/epdf/10....
tandfonline.com/doi/epdf/10....
China's MFA being #SchrodingersCat?
3/4
"If war is what the U.S. wants, be it a tariff war, a trade war or any other type of war, we’re #ready to fight till the end”
3/6
"Whatever kind of war it is, a tariff war or a trade war, a cold war or a hot war, they should #not be fought and cannot be won"
3/4
"If war is what the U.S. wants, be it a tariff war, a trade war or any other type of war, we’re #ready to fight till the end”
3/6
"Whatever kind of war it is, a tariff war or a trade war, a cold war or a hot war, they should #not be fought and cannot be won"
March 9, 2025 at 6:51 AM
China's MFA being #SchrodingersCat?
3/4
"If war is what the U.S. wants, be it a tariff war, a trade war or any other type of war, we’re #ready to fight till the end”
3/6
"Whatever kind of war it is, a tariff war or a trade war, a cold war or a hot war, they should #not be fought and cannot be won"
3/4
"If war is what the U.S. wants, be it a tariff war, a trade war or any other type of war, we’re #ready to fight till the end”
3/6
"Whatever kind of war it is, a tariff war or a trade war, a cold war or a hot war, they should #not be fought and cannot be won"
"What's the point anymore of questioning whether China is partial towards Russia?
If that is a problem for people, they should first go criticize America. Because now America is not only partial to, but actively supports, Russia. Am I right?"
- China's special envoy for Europe, #LuShaye
If that is a problem for people, they should first go criticize America. Because now America is not only partial to, but actively supports, Russia. Am I right?"
- China's special envoy for Europe, #LuShaye
March 8, 2025 at 5:03 AM
"What's the point anymore of questioning whether China is partial towards Russia?
If that is a problem for people, they should first go criticize America. Because now America is not only partial to, but actively supports, Russia. Am I right?"
- China's special envoy for Europe, #LuShaye
If that is a problem for people, they should first go criticize America. Because now America is not only partial to, but actively supports, Russia. Am I right?"
- China's special envoy for Europe, #LuShaye