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...
Pedro Sanchez speaking in Munich - leans into the anti-militaristic stance that made him the anti-darling of Eurohawks
"Experts estimate US alone will invest $946 billion in nukes over the next decade, enough to eradicate extreme global poverty. In my view, this is a mistake"
"Experts estimate US alone will invest $946 billion in nukes over the next decade, enough to eradicate extreme global poverty. In my view, this is a mistake"
February 14, 2026 at 2:22 PM
Pedro Sanchez speaking in Munich - leans into the anti-militaristic stance that made him the anti-darling of Eurohawks
"Experts estimate US alone will invest $946 billion in nukes over the next decade, enough to eradicate extreme global poverty. In my view, this is a mistake"
"Experts estimate US alone will invest $946 billion in nukes over the next decade, enough to eradicate extreme global poverty. In my view, this is a mistake"
Reposted by Finbarr Bermingham
The Rubio speech was not a detente.
It was the JD Vance message delivered with velvet rather than boxing gloves (h/t @fbermingham.bsky.social)
He signalled 0 actionable compromises to the EU other than implicitly asking Europe to close its borders / round up migrants (and then the US offers what?)
It was the JD Vance message delivered with velvet rather than boxing gloves (h/t @fbermingham.bsky.social)
He signalled 0 actionable compromises to the EU other than implicitly asking Europe to close its borders / round up migrants (and then the US offers what?)
February 14, 2026 at 1:02 PM
The Rubio speech was not a detente.
It was the JD Vance message delivered with velvet rather than boxing gloves (h/t @fbermingham.bsky.social)
He signalled 0 actionable compromises to the EU other than implicitly asking Europe to close its borders / round up migrants (and then the US offers what?)
It was the JD Vance message delivered with velvet rather than boxing gloves (h/t @fbermingham.bsky.social)
He signalled 0 actionable compromises to the EU other than implicitly asking Europe to close its borders / round up migrants (and then the US offers what?)
Wang Yi and Merz have met on the sidelines of Munich, ahead of Merz's trip to Berlin + Hangzhou on Feb 24
February 14, 2026 at 11:28 AM
Wang Yi and Merz have met on the sidelines of Munich, ahead of Merz's trip to Berlin + Hangzhou on Feb 24
Wang Yi in Munich on Ukraine talks
"Europe should not watch this from the sidelines. Right here in Munich last year, the US had started engagement with Russia and Europe seemed to be watching from the sidelines. Europe should not be on the menu, but should be at the table."
"Europe should not watch this from the sidelines. Right here in Munich last year, the US had started engagement with Russia and Europe seemed to be watching from the sidelines. Europe should not be on the menu, but should be at the table."
February 14, 2026 at 9:10 AM
Wang Yi in Munich on Ukraine talks
"Europe should not watch this from the sidelines. Right here in Munich last year, the US had started engagement with Russia and Europe seemed to be watching from the sidelines. Europe should not be on the menu, but should be at the table."
"Europe should not watch this from the sidelines. Right here in Munich last year, the US had started engagement with Russia and Europe seemed to be watching from the sidelines. Europe should not be on the menu, but should be at the table."
Munich being treated to another civilisational tirade from the US - this time from Marco Rubio
"We do not seek to separate but to revitalise an old friendship and renew the greatest civilisation in human history"
"We do not seek to separate but to revitalise an old friendship and renew the greatest civilisation in human history"
February 14, 2026 at 8:26 AM
Munich being treated to another civilisational tirade from the US - this time from Marco Rubio
"We do not seek to separate but to revitalise an old friendship and renew the greatest civilisation in human history"
"We do not seek to separate but to revitalise an old friendship and renew the greatest civilisation in human history"
“If we do not stick together, then we are screwed"
My wrap piece from yesterday's Munich Security Conference, leading on the Franco-German front towards China - with some fresh tidbits on Ukraine-China towards the end
My wrap piece from yesterday's Munich Security Conference, leading on the Franco-German front towards China - with some fresh tidbits on Ukraine-China towards the end
In Munich, France and Germany team up as China presses EU to think global
French and German foreign ministers revive talks with Beijing counterpart to respond to US-China divide-and-rule tactics and bolster European unity.
www.scmp.com
February 14, 2026 at 7:53 AM
“If we do not stick together, then we are screwed"
My wrap piece from yesterday's Munich Security Conference, leading on the Franco-German front towards China - with some fresh tidbits on Ukraine-China towards the end
My wrap piece from yesterday's Munich Security Conference, leading on the Franco-German front towards China - with some fresh tidbits on Ukraine-China towards the end
Rather pointed message from Wang Yi to French & German foreign ministers from Beijing's readout:
"Europe's challenges do not come from China."
"Europe's challenges do not come from China."
February 14, 2026 at 7:39 AM
Rather pointed message from Wang Yi to French & German foreign ministers from Beijing's readout:
"Europe's challenges do not come from China."
"Europe's challenges do not come from China."
Catching up with AOC's late slot in Munich last night. Asked if we're in a post-order world
"In a so-called rules-based order, the rules for whom? Because for all too long, the rules only applied to the US, Europe, its allies; we'd carve out exceptions for the Global South..."
"In a so-called rules-based order, the rules for whom? Because for all too long, the rules only applied to the US, Europe, its allies; we'd carve out exceptions for the Global South..."
February 14, 2026 at 6:18 AM
Catching up with AOC's late slot in Munich last night. Asked if we're in a post-order world
"In a so-called rules-based order, the rules for whom? Because for all too long, the rules only applied to the US, Europe, its allies; we'd carve out exceptions for the Global South..."
"In a so-called rules-based order, the rules for whom? Because for all too long, the rules only applied to the US, Europe, its allies; we'd carve out exceptions for the Global South..."
We have a strange situation where AOC is on a Munich panel with Czech President Pavel (ex-Nato general), leader of European Parliament centre right Manfred Weber (whose EPP at times voted with far right) & Daiana Fernández Molero, whose party in Argentina has aligned with Milei
February 13, 2026 at 5:22 PM
We have a strange situation where AOC is on a Munich panel with Czech President Pavel (ex-Nato general), leader of European Parliament centre right Manfred Weber (whose EPP at times voted with far right) & Daiana Fernández Molero, whose party in Argentina has aligned with Milei
Interesting little Munich tidbit.
The German and French foreign ministers will meet Wang Yi together in just over half an hour.
Idea is to present a common, EU centric front #msc2026
The German and French foreign ministers will meet Wang Yi together in just over half an hour.
Idea is to present a common, EU centric front #msc2026
February 13, 2026 at 3:40 PM
Interesting little Munich tidbit.
The German and French foreign ministers will meet Wang Yi together in just over half an hour.
Idea is to present a common, EU centric front #msc2026
The German and French foreign ministers will meet Wang Yi together in just over half an hour.
Idea is to present a common, EU centric front #msc2026
Big words from Merz in Munich
The Msc motto, under destruction " probably means international order based on rights and rules is currently being destroyed. but I'm afraid we have to put it in even harsher terms.
This order no longer exists"
The Msc motto, under destruction " probably means international order based on rights and rules is currently being destroyed. but I'm afraid we have to put it in even harsher terms.
This order no longer exists"
February 13, 2026 at 1:03 PM
Big words from Merz in Munich
The Msc motto, under destruction " probably means international order based on rights and rules is currently being destroyed. but I'm afraid we have to put it in even harsher terms.
This order no longer exists"
The Msc motto, under destruction " probably means international order based on rights and rules is currently being destroyed. but I'm afraid we have to put it in even harsher terms.
This order no longer exists"
Just in: Wang Yi meeting Marco Rubio on the side-lines of Munich Security Conference - their second meeting.
Last year there was no high-level US-China talks here. Comes ahead of Trump's expected China trip in early April. (pic from Reuters wire)
Last year there was no high-level US-China talks here. Comes ahead of Trump's expected China trip in early April. (pic from Reuters wire)
February 13, 2026 at 11:40 AM
Just in: Wang Yi meeting Marco Rubio on the side-lines of Munich Security Conference - their second meeting.
Last year there was no high-level US-China talks here. Comes ahead of Trump's expected China trip in early April. (pic from Reuters wire)
Last year there was no high-level US-China talks here. Comes ahead of Trump's expected China trip in early April. (pic from Reuters wire)
🚨Ukraine FM Sybiha already met Wang Yi, who has arrived in Munich from Hungary
"China can play an important role in bringing about a just peace for Ukraine," he told Ukrainian TV
"We appreciate China's support for Ukraine's territorial integrity and sovereignty"
"China can play an important role in bringing about a just peace for Ukraine," he told Ukrainian TV
"We appreciate China's support for Ukraine's territorial integrity and sovereignty"
February 13, 2026 at 10:32 AM
🚨Ukraine FM Sybiha already met Wang Yi, who has arrived in Munich from Hungary
"China can play an important role in bringing about a just peace for Ukraine," he told Ukrainian TV
"We appreciate China's support for Ukraine's territorial integrity and sovereignty"
"China can play an important role in bringing about a just peace for Ukraine," he told Ukrainian TV
"We appreciate China's support for Ukraine's territorial integrity and sovereignty"
China Table reports Merz China trip from 24-27 will see him "accompanied by largest business delegation since Angela Merkel’s first term in office in the late 2000s"
Merz will be joined by a 30-strong business delegation, compared to 12 for Scholz trip
briefing.table.media...
Merz will be joined by a 30-strong business delegation, compared to 12 for Scholz trip
briefing.table.media...
February 13, 2026 at 8:32 AM
China Table reports Merz China trip from 24-27 will see him "accompanied by largest business delegation since Angela Merkel’s first term in office in the late 2000s"
Merz will be joined by a 30-strong business delegation, compared to 12 for Scholz trip
briefing.table.media...
Merz will be joined by a 30-strong business delegation, compared to 12 for Scholz trip
briefing.table.media...
Greetings from Munich. #MSC2026 kicks off today - here's what I will be watching.
Friday (local times)
1.45pm: Merz
2.30pm Kallas (on panel "The International Order Between Reform and Destruction" with Saudi FM and US UN ambo Waltz
5.30pm Pavel, AOC & Weber panel on populism
Friday (local times)
1.45pm: Merz
2.30pm Kallas (on panel "The International Order Between Reform and Destruction" with Saudi FM and US UN ambo Waltz
5.30pm Pavel, AOC & Weber panel on populism
February 13, 2026 at 7:48 AM
Greetings from Munich. #MSC2026 kicks off today - here's what I will be watching.
Friday (local times)
1.45pm: Merz
2.30pm Kallas (on panel "The International Order Between Reform and Destruction" with Saudi FM and US UN ambo Waltz
5.30pm Pavel, AOC & Weber panel on populism
Friday (local times)
1.45pm: Merz
2.30pm Kallas (on panel "The International Order Between Reform and Destruction" with Saudi FM and US UN ambo Waltz
5.30pm Pavel, AOC & Weber panel on populism
Reposted by Finbarr Bermingham
✈️🇩🇪 I am Munich bound this morning to cover the security conference again #msc26
Hit me up for a chat if you're also in town and keen to talk Europe, China, the unravelling global order and great-power rivalry...
Hit me up for a chat if you're also in town and keen to talk Europe, China, the unravelling global order and great-power rivalry...
February 12, 2026 at 10:05 AM
✈️🇩🇪 I am Munich bound this morning to cover the security conference again #msc26
Hit me up for a chat if you're also in town and keen to talk Europe, China, the unravelling global order and great-power rivalry...
Hit me up for a chat if you're also in town and keen to talk Europe, China, the unravelling global order and great-power rivalry...
Chinese Weibo account Yuyuan Tantian - linked to official CCTV - says Beijing to "resolutely retaliate by directly imposing 'reciprocal tariffs' on EU products" if EU "unilaterally imposes tariffs on Chinese goods"
Could also consider anti-dumping/subsidy probes on French wines
Could also consider anti-dumping/subsidy probes on French wines
February 11, 2026 at 3:20 PM
Chinese Weibo account Yuyuan Tantian - linked to official CCTV - says Beijing to "resolutely retaliate by directly imposing 'reciprocal tariffs' on EU products" if EU "unilaterally imposes tariffs on Chinese goods"
Could also consider anti-dumping/subsidy probes on French wines
Could also consider anti-dumping/subsidy probes on French wines
Breaking news: Dutch court upholds decision to effectively seize Nexperia's European arm and suspend Chinese management.
Blow for Wingtech: investigation now open into the company's "policy and affairs"
Blow for Wingtech: investigation now open into the company's "policy and affairs"
February 11, 2026 at 12:21 PM
Breaking news: Dutch court upholds decision to effectively seize Nexperia's European arm and suspend Chinese management.
Blow for Wingtech: investigation now open into the company's "policy and affairs"
Blow for Wingtech: investigation now open into the company's "policy and affairs"
The Chinese captain of a HK-registered cargo ship pleaded not guilty on Wednesday to criminal damage of a Baltic Sea gas pipeline that was forced to shut down after a leak.
Wan Wenguo, has been in custody in HK since May 2025, accused criminal damage
Wan Wenguo, has been in custody in HK since May 2025, accused criminal damage
Captain pleads not guilty to damaging Baltic Sea gas pipeline in Hong Kong court
Wan Wenguo, captain of the Hong Kong-flagged NewNew Polar Bear, denies damaging a key gas link between Finland and Estonia in 2023.
www.scmp.com
February 11, 2026 at 11:26 AM
The Chinese captain of a HK-registered cargo ship pleaded not guilty on Wednesday to criminal damage of a Baltic Sea gas pipeline that was forced to shut down after a leak.
Wan Wenguo, has been in custody in HK since May 2025, accused criminal damage
Wan Wenguo, has been in custody in HK since May 2025, accused criminal damage
Exclusive
Cold shoulder: China, EU in diplomatic stand-off ahead of Munich
Beijing has frozen out the EU’s envoy & snubbed its biz lobby, EU quietly boycotting China’s envoy in return, Wang Yi is Munich-bound with no locked‑in meeting with Kallas
Cold shoulder: China, EU in diplomatic stand-off ahead of Munich
Beijing has frozen out the EU’s envoy & snubbed its biz lobby, EU quietly boycotting China’s envoy in return, Wang Yi is Munich-bound with no locked‑in meeting with Kallas
Exclusive | Cold shoulder? China, EU in diplomatic stand-off ahead of Munich showdown
Annual security conference could provide rare venue for high-level EU-China talks as top diplomats Wang Yi and Kaja Kallas attend.
www.scmp.com
February 11, 2026 at 10:23 AM
Exclusive
Cold shoulder: China, EU in diplomatic stand-off ahead of Munich
Beijing has frozen out the EU’s envoy & snubbed its biz lobby, EU quietly boycotting China’s envoy in return, Wang Yi is Munich-bound with no locked‑in meeting with Kallas
Cold shoulder: China, EU in diplomatic stand-off ahead of Munich
Beijing has frozen out the EU’s envoy & snubbed its biz lobby, EU quietly boycotting China’s envoy in return, Wang Yi is Munich-bound with no locked‑in meeting with Kallas
This will be a big draw in Munich this week
Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez set to take the stage and lay out what her "progressive foreign policy" means in Europe.
Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez set to take the stage and lay out what her "progressive foreign policy" means in Europe.
Anticipating AOC’s Munich Security Conference Speech
What to look for from a left-populist counter to imperialism, fascism, white supremacy, and oligarchy.
open.substack.com
February 10, 2026 at 9:11 PM
This will be a big draw in Munich this week
Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez set to take the stage and lay out what her "progressive foreign policy" means in Europe.
Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez set to take the stage and lay out what her "progressive foreign policy" means in Europe.
Headlines from the frontlines of late-stage capitalism
February 10, 2026 at 2:51 PM
Headlines from the frontlines of late-stage capitalism
Some brutal charts in the new Rhodium Group note, updating their previous research on Germany and China Shock 2.0
Food for thought ahead of Merz's trip to China in 2 weeks.
Food for thought ahead of Merz's trip to China in 2 weeks.
February 10, 2026 at 12:37 PM
Some brutal charts in the new Rhodium Group note, updating their previous research on Germany and China Shock 2.0
Food for thought ahead of Merz's trip to China in 2 weeks.
Food for thought ahead of Merz's trip to China in 2 weeks.
Confirmation that Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi will be at the Munich Security Conference later this week - stopping off in (you guessed it) Hungary on the way.
February 10, 2026 at 12:07 PM
Confirmation that Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi will be at the Munich Security Conference later this week - stopping off in (you guessed it) Hungary on the way.