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.
Pinned
As US-China rivalry redefines economic warfare, EU scrambles for its dictionary
The EU is preparing to unveil a new doctrine on economic security, but it’s a concept that officials and experts say has no clear definition.
www.scmp.com
As US-China rivalry redefines economic warfare, Europe scrambles for its dictionary
My report on the EU's struggle to define economic security, even as it prepares to launch yet another economic security initiative...
My report on the EU's struggle to define economic security, even as it prepares to launch yet another economic security initiative...
Euronews "has recently explored opportunities in China, including sponsorship deals with the state-owned channel CGTN", Euractiv reports
www.euractiv.com/new...
www.euractiv.com/new...
February 10, 2026 at 11:12 AM
Euronews "has recently explored opportunities in China, including sponsorship deals with the state-owned channel CGTN", Euractiv reports
www.euractiv.com/new...
www.euractiv.com/new...
A French government-linked strategy body on Monday urged the EU to impose a 30% tariff on Chinese imports, warning Beijing poses a “systemic threat” to Europe's industrial base.
www.euractiv.com/new...
www.euractiv.com/new...
February 10, 2026 at 9:01 AM
A French government-linked strategy body on Monday urged the EU to impose a 30% tariff on Chinese imports, warning Beijing poses a “systemic threat” to Europe's industrial base.
www.euractiv.com/new...
www.euractiv.com/new...
Fascinating post from the Cross Purposes newsletter on Chinese views of EU economic security
Xin Hua at Shanghai Int. U: "EU decision-makers now see the prolonged Ukraine crisis + US-China rivalry indicate economic warfare is becoming a central form of geopolitical conflict"
Xin Hua at Shanghai Int. U: "EU decision-makers now see the prolonged Ukraine crisis + US-China rivalry indicate economic warfare is becoming a central form of geopolitical conflict"
February 10, 2026 at 8:42 AM
Fascinating post from the Cross Purposes newsletter on Chinese views of EU economic security
Xin Hua at Shanghai Int. U: "EU decision-makers now see the prolonged Ukraine crisis + US-China rivalry indicate economic warfare is becoming a central form of geopolitical conflict"
Xin Hua at Shanghai Int. U: "EU decision-makers now see the prolonged Ukraine crisis + US-China rivalry indicate economic warfare is becoming a central form of geopolitical conflict"
I had a long chat with Luuk van Middelaar – one of Europe’s sharpest political thinkers – and his verdict is stark: Trump’s 2nd term is blowing up 80 years of transatlantic certainties and dragging the world back into a harsher age of great‑power bargains and spheres of influence
February 10, 2026 at 7:39 AM
I had a long chat with Luuk van Middelaar – one of Europe’s sharpest political thinkers – and his verdict is stark: Trump’s 2nd term is blowing up 80 years of transatlantic certainties and dragging the world back into a harsher age of great‑power bargains and spheres of influence
Sjoerd Sjoerdsma, sanctioned by China in 2021 in the tit-for-tat over human rights violations in Xinjiang, is set to be the next Dutch minister for trade
Alle D66-ministers bekend, Van Essen Landbouw, Van Veldhoven Klimaat
Alle D66-ministers zijn bekend. Een wethouder uit Deventer, Jaimi van Essen, wordt minister van Landbouw, Visserij, Voedselzekerheid en Natuur. Oud-D66-Kamerlid Stientje van Veldhoven wordt minister van Klimaat en Groene Groei. Dat melden bronnen aan de politieke redactie van RTL Nieuws. Verder worden luitenant-generaal Elanor Boekholt-O'Sullivan minister van Volkshuisvesting en Sjoerd Sjoerdsma minister van Buitenlandse Handel en Ontwikkelingssamenwerking.
www.rtl.nl
February 10, 2026 at 7:20 AM
Sjoerd Sjoerdsma, sanctioned by China in 2021 in the tit-for-tat over human rights violations in Xinjiang, is set to be the next Dutch minister for trade
Hong Kong court jails pro-democracy media tycoon Jimmy Lai for 20 years
Hong Kong court jails pro-democracy media tycoon Jimmy Lai for 20 years
Lai was sentenced for offences under the city's controversial national security law.
www.bbc.com
February 9, 2026 at 5:54 AM
Hong Kong court jails pro-democracy media tycoon Jimmy Lai for 20 years
Looks like Beijing's pressure campaign has backfired...
Japan’s conservative governing party is on course to dramatically strengthen its grip on power after exit polls predicted a landslide victory in Sunday’s lower house elections.
Japan’s conservative governing party is on course to dramatically strengthen its grip on power after exit polls predicted a landslide victory in Sunday’s lower house elections.
Japan election: Sanae Takaichi’s ruling conservatives on course for landslide victory
Exit polls point to public endorsement of new prime minister, after day hit by blizzards and freezing conditions
www.theguardian.com
February 8, 2026 at 12:25 PM
Looks like Beijing's pressure campaign has backfired...
Japan’s conservative governing party is on course to dramatically strengthen its grip on power after exit polls predicted a landslide victory in Sunday’s lower house elections.
Japan’s conservative governing party is on course to dramatically strengthen its grip on power after exit polls predicted a landslide victory in Sunday’s lower house elections.
Fair play to @LeoVaradkar. A single line in his China-India op-ed will infuriate panda-huggers & dragon-slayers alike
"Since China has embraced capitalism, hundreds of millions of people have been lifted out of extreme poverty & now aspire to affluence"
"Since China has embraced capitalism, hundreds of millions of people have been lifted out of extreme poverty & now aspire to affluence"
China and India are the ones to watch — we need to up our game
In Ireland, most of our attention is directed towards the UK, Europe and the US. The time has come to put a much greater focus on the two Asian giants
www.thetimes.com
February 8, 2026 at 8:41 AM
Fair play to @LeoVaradkar. A single line in his China-India op-ed will infuriate panda-huggers & dragon-slayers alike
"Since China has embraced capitalism, hundreds of millions of people have been lifted out of extreme poverty & now aspire to affluence"
"Since China has embraced capitalism, hundreds of millions of people have been lifted out of extreme poverty & now aspire to affluence"
As the European Parliament dilly dallies over Mercosur, pt. 2...
Brazil is considering pushing for a partial trade agreement between the Mercosur bloc and China for the first time, in what would be a major shift for Latin America's largest economy.
Brazil is considering pushing for a partial trade agreement between the Mercosur bloc and China for the first time, in what would be a major shift for Latin America's largest economy.
Brazil signals new openness to Mercosur-China talks as Beijing seeks deeper ties
Brazil is considering pushing for a partial trade agreement between the Mercosur bloc and China for the first time, senior Brazilian government officials said, in what would be a major shift for Latin America's largest economy.
www.reuters.com
February 7, 2026 at 7:50 AM
As the European Parliament dilly dallies over Mercosur, pt. 2...
Brazil is considering pushing for a partial trade agreement between the Mercosur bloc and China for the first time, in what would be a major shift for Latin America's largest economy.
Brazil is considering pushing for a partial trade agreement between the Mercosur bloc and China for the first time, in what would be a major shift for Latin America's largest economy.
Friday night tunes 🏍️
February 6, 2026 at 8:05 PM
Friday night tunes 🏍️
Breaking: EU Commission finds TikTok in breach of the digital services act over its "addictive design"
Bytedance-owned app could face fine of up to 6% of global revenue if it doesn't fix addicitive properties like infinite scroll, autoplay, recommender systems
Bytedance-owned app could face fine of up to 6% of global revenue if it doesn't fix addicitive properties like infinite scroll, autoplay, recommender systems
February 6, 2026 at 11:04 AM
Breaking: EU Commission finds TikTok in breach of the digital services act over its "addictive design"
Bytedance-owned app could face fine of up to 6% of global revenue if it doesn't fix addicitive properties like infinite scroll, autoplay, recommender systems
Bytedance-owned app could face fine of up to 6% of global revenue if it doesn't fix addicitive properties like infinite scroll, autoplay, recommender systems
German chamber of commerce in China says Trump is pushing big biz to Beijing
“It’s difficult to compare the relatively stable & predictable trade relations with China with these erratic ups and downs that are currently characterising relations with US"
“It’s difficult to compare the relatively stable & predictable trade relations with China with these erratic ups and downs that are currently characterising relations with US"
Stung by Trump’s policies, German multinationals cautiously pivot towards China
German firms are keen to invest more in China as they shy away from the US, but they still face issues in the Chinese market, business group says.
www.scmp.com
February 6, 2026 at 10:09 AM
German chamber of commerce in China says Trump is pushing big biz to Beijing
“It’s difficult to compare the relatively stable & predictable trade relations with China with these erratic ups and downs that are currently characterising relations with US"
“It’s difficult to compare the relatively stable & predictable trade relations with China with these erratic ups and downs that are currently characterising relations with US"
Two new military spy scandals in Europe involving China - in Greece & France
1. In Greece, authorities arrested an air force officer on suspicion of espionage after he allegedly collected and transmitted classified military info – including material related to NATO – to China
1. In Greece, authorities arrested an air force officer on suspicion of espionage after he allegedly collected and transmitted classified military info – including material related to NATO – to China
February 6, 2026 at 7:35 AM
Two new military spy scandals in Europe involving China - in Greece & France
1. In Greece, authorities arrested an air force officer on suspicion of espionage after he allegedly collected and transmitted classified military info – including material related to NATO – to China
1. In Greece, authorities arrested an air force officer on suspicion of espionage after he allegedly collected and transmitted classified military info – including material related to NATO – to China
Really enjoyed the Tooze-Klein podcast. This bit stuck with me
"I’m dying on the hill that we’re not even in an interregnum - it implies another regnum afterward; a vision of history that has this as an ellipse between 2. I don’t see why we feel entitled to make that assumption"
"I’m dying on the hill that we’re not even in an interregnum - it implies another regnum afterward; a vision of history that has this as an ellipse between 2. I don’t see why we feel entitled to make that assumption"
February 5, 2026 at 6:49 PM
Really enjoyed the Tooze-Klein podcast. This bit stuck with me
"I’m dying on the hill that we’re not even in an interregnum - it implies another regnum afterward; a vision of history that has this as an ellipse between 2. I don’t see why we feel entitled to make that assumption"
"I’m dying on the hill that we’re not even in an interregnum - it implies another regnum afterward; a vision of history that has this as an ellipse between 2. I don’t see why we feel entitled to make that assumption"
Looks like Karremans' - he of Nexperia fame - tenure as Dutch economic affairs minister is over!
New Dutch cabinet plan shows the position will go to CDA (centre-right EPP), Karremans is VVD - via the indefatigable @sehof / Sense Hofstede
www.kabinetsformatie...
New Dutch cabinet plan shows the position will go to CDA (centre-right EPP), Karremans is VVD - via the indefatigable @sehof / Sense Hofstede
www.kabinetsformatie...
February 5, 2026 at 11:33 AM
Looks like Karremans' - he of Nexperia fame - tenure as Dutch economic affairs minister is over!
New Dutch cabinet plan shows the position will go to CDA (centre-right EPP), Karremans is VVD - via the indefatigable @sehof / Sense Hofstede
www.kabinetsformatie...
New Dutch cabinet plan shows the position will go to CDA (centre-right EPP), Karremans is VVD - via the indefatigable @sehof / Sense Hofstede
www.kabinetsformatie...
From China’s chokehold to Trump’s stockpile, Europe looks for least bad rare earth bet
My report on Brussels' latest adventures in the critical minerals space
My report on Brussels' latest adventures in the critical minerals space
From China chokehold to US stockpile, Europe looks for least bad rare earth bet
The EU industry chief secured a ‘commitment’ in Washington for a memorandum on critical minerals, but anxiety is growing.
www.scmp.com
February 5, 2026 at 11:07 AM
From China’s chokehold to Trump’s stockpile, Europe looks for least bad rare earth bet
My report on Brussels' latest adventures in the critical minerals space
My report on Brussels' latest adventures in the critical minerals space
Sanchez journey as Europe's anti-Trump continues
"Govts can buy into zero-sum thinking of far-right & retreat into isolation, scarcity, selfishness and decline. Or they can harness the forces that... allowed our societies to thrive... for me the choice is clear"
www.nytimes.com/2026/02/04/o...
"Govts can buy into zero-sum thinking of far-right & retreat into isolation, scarcity, selfishness and decline. Or they can harness the forces that... allowed our societies to thrive... for me the choice is clear"
www.nytimes.com/2026/02/04/o...
Opinion | I’m the Prime Minister of Spain. This Is Why the West Needs Migrants.
www.nytimes.com
February 5, 2026 at 10:25 AM
Sanchez journey as Europe's anti-Trump continues
"Govts can buy into zero-sum thinking of far-right & retreat into isolation, scarcity, selfishness and decline. Or they can harness the forces that... allowed our societies to thrive... for me the choice is clear"
www.nytimes.com/2026/02/04/o...
"Govts can buy into zero-sum thinking of far-right & retreat into isolation, scarcity, selfishness and decline. Or they can harness the forces that... allowed our societies to thrive... for me the choice is clear"
www.nytimes.com/2026/02/04/o...
CATL has deployed the world’s first sodium-ion batteries in passenger cars, as it aims to stay ahead in China’s fiercely competitive EV market amid price volatility in traditional lithium-ion batteries.
Why CATL’s sodium-ion breakthrough could be a game changer for China’s EV market
The Naxtra battery, more price-stable and cold-resistant than the lithium-ion units now powering most EVs, will undergo its first tests this week.
www.scmp.com
February 5, 2026 at 9:19 AM
CATL has deployed the world’s first sodium-ion batteries in passenger cars, as it aims to stay ahead in China’s fiercely competitive EV market amid price volatility in traditional lithium-ion batteries.
Panama President Mulino rejected criticism from Chinese and HK authorities over a Supreme Court ruling that voided a long-standing port concession at the Panama Canal, arguing the decision falls squarely within Panama’s constitutional & legal framework
Panama president defends ruling after China slams canal port concession decision
Panamanian President Jose Raul Mulino rejects Chinese criticism, arguing verdict was within Panama’s constitutional and legal framework.
www.scmp.com
February 5, 2026 at 9:14 AM
Panama President Mulino rejected criticism from Chinese and HK authorities over a Supreme Court ruling that voided a long-standing port concession at the Panama Canal, arguing the decision falls squarely within Panama’s constitutional & legal framework
This would be big...
Lithuanian prime minister says they made a strategic mistake by allowing a Taiwanese representative office to open in Vilnius under the name “Taiwanese"
“I think Lithuania really jumped in front of a train and lost"
Lithuanian prime minister says they made a strategic mistake by allowing a Taiwanese representative office to open in Vilnius under the name “Taiwanese"
“I think Lithuania really jumped in front of a train and lost"
Lithuanian PM says Vilnius ‘jumped in front of a train’ with Taiwanese office
Lithuanian Prime Minister Inga Ruginienė said Tuesday that Lithuania made a strategic mistake by allowing a Taiwanese re...
www.lrt.lt
February 5, 2026 at 8:28 AM
This would be big...
Lithuanian prime minister says they made a strategic mistake by allowing a Taiwanese representative office to open in Vilnius under the name “Taiwanese"
“I think Lithuania really jumped in front of a train and lost"
Lithuanian prime minister says they made a strategic mistake by allowing a Taiwanese representative office to open in Vilnius under the name “Taiwanese"
“I think Lithuania really jumped in front of a train and lost"
The EU & US made a commitment to within 30 days to conclude a Memorandum of Understanding "aimed at boosting critical minerals supply chain security"
Also a trilateral statement w' Japan to "explore plurilateral trade initiative w' like-minded partners on... critical minerals"
Also a trilateral statement w' Japan to "explore plurilateral trade initiative w' like-minded partners on... critical minerals"
February 4, 2026 at 6:48 PM
The EU & US made a commitment to within 30 days to conclude a Memorandum of Understanding "aimed at boosting critical minerals supply chain security"
Also a trilateral statement w' Japan to "explore plurilateral trade initiative w' like-minded partners on... critical minerals"
Also a trilateral statement w' Japan to "explore plurilateral trade initiative w' like-minded partners on... critical minerals"
Breaking: Trump-Xi call this afternoon, just after Xi spoke to Putin
Breaking | Hours after call with Vladimir Putin, Xi Jinping talks to Donald Trump
Chinese president and US leader hold phone conversation, according to state media.
www.scmp.com
February 4, 2026 at 2:51 PM
Breaking: Trump-Xi call this afternoon, just after Xi spoke to Putin
The European Parliament has voted to "resume work" on ratifying the EU-US trade deal of last summer, which was paused over the Greenland storm.
"A vote could therefore potentially take place at the next committee meeting on Tuesday 24 February"
"A vote could therefore potentially take place at the next committee meeting on Tuesday 24 February"
EU-US trade legislation: MEPs to resume work on Turnberry proposals | News | European Parliament
Bernd Lange, chair of Parliament’s International Trade Committee and standing rapporteur for the US, has issued the following statement regarding the EU-US trade deal.
www.europarl.europa.eu
February 4, 2026 at 2:47 PM
The European Parliament has voted to "resume work" on ratifying the EU-US trade deal of last summer, which was paused over the Greenland storm.
"A vote could therefore potentially take place at the next committee meeting on Tuesday 24 February"
"A vote could therefore potentially take place at the next committee meeting on Tuesday 24 February"
Reposted by Finbarr Bermingham
The guy who owns Amazon shutting down the books section of the Washington Post is beyond parody
WaPo also closing Books section and downsizing International and Metro sections
February 4, 2026 at 2:05 PM
The guy who owns Amazon shutting down the books section of the Washington Post is beyond parody
Ford and China’s Geely in talks about Geely using Ford factory space in Europe to produce vehicles for the region
"Manufacturing some cars using Ford’s European factory space would likely help Geely avoid the European Union's tariffs on China-made EVs"
www.reuters.com/busi...
"Manufacturing some cars using Ford’s European factory space would likely help Geely avoid the European Union's tariffs on China-made EVs"
www.reuters.com/busi...
February 4, 2026 at 9:44 AM
Ford and China’s Geely in talks about Geely using Ford factory space in Europe to produce vehicles for the region
"Manufacturing some cars using Ford’s European factory space would likely help Geely avoid the European Union's tariffs on China-made EVs"
www.reuters.com/busi...
"Manufacturing some cars using Ford’s European factory space would likely help Geely avoid the European Union's tariffs on China-made EVs"
www.reuters.com/busi...