Josh Wilkes
@joshuamwilkes.bsky.social
Reporter at Domino Theory .
Geopolitics, innit .
Lover of nature and science .
Reader of books .
Follows sports to keep up appearances .
Geopolitics, innit .
Lover of nature and science .
Reader of books .
Follows sports to keep up appearances .
Reposted by Josh Wilkes
In China, victims of abuse are told by local authorities to ‘keep It in the family’ – The New York Times: ‘often clashes with the broader goal of the Communist Party to promote marriage and childbearing to raise the falling birth rate.’
In China, Victims of Abuse Are Told to ‘Keep It in the Family’
www.nytimes.com
November 6, 2025 at 9:28 AM
In China, victims of abuse are told by local authorities to ‘keep It in the family’ – The New York Times: ‘often clashes with the broader goal of the Communist Party to promote marriage and childbearing to raise the falling birth rate.’
Reposted by Josh Wilkes
Finally. Let’s hope this is taken seriously.
‘Britain's domestic spy agency MI5 issued a rare public warning to members of parliament on Monday that they are being targeted by spies from China, Russia and Iran in an attempt to undermine the country's democracy.’
www.reuters.com/world/uk/uks...
‘Britain's domestic spy agency MI5 issued a rare public warning to members of parliament on Monday that they are being targeted by spies from China, Russia and Iran in an attempt to undermine the country's democracy.’
www.reuters.com/world/uk/uks...
UK's MI5 warns politicians they are targets of Russia and Chinese spying
Britain's domestic spy agency MI5 issued a rare public warning to members of parliament on Monday that they are being targeted by spies from China, Russia and Iran in an attempt to undermine the country's democracy.
www.reuters.com
October 14, 2025 at 10:53 AM
Finally. Let’s hope this is taken seriously.
‘Britain's domestic spy agency MI5 issued a rare public warning to members of parliament on Monday that they are being targeted by spies from China, Russia and Iran in an attempt to undermine the country's democracy.’
www.reuters.com/world/uk/uks...
‘Britain's domestic spy agency MI5 issued a rare public warning to members of parliament on Monday that they are being targeted by spies from China, Russia and Iran in an attempt to undermine the country's democracy.’
www.reuters.com/world/uk/uks...
I don't want to get over my skies.
But I don't think Steve Reed will have that full sight by October 21.
So I suspect this is a different way of saying the decision will be delayed.
Which almost anyone could have predicted given current events.
But I don't think Steve Reed will have that full sight by October 21.
So I suspect this is a different way of saying the decision will be delayed.
Which almost anyone could have predicted given current events.
UK expects to have full sight of China embassy plan before decision, housing minister says – Reuters: ‘The government has said it expects to make a final decision by October 21 after it pushed back an August deadline, blaming Beijing for withholding detail on the blueprints.’
UK expects to have full sight of China embassy plan before decision, minister says
The British government expects to have full and unredacted access to China's plans for a huge new embassy in London ahead of its decision on whether to approve the project, its housing minister said on Tuesday.
www.reuters.com
October 14, 2025 at 10:17 AM
I don't want to get over my skies.
But I don't think Steve Reed will have that full sight by October 21.
So I suspect this is a different way of saying the decision will be delayed.
Which almost anyone could have predicted given current events.
But I don't think Steve Reed will have that full sight by October 21.
So I suspect this is a different way of saying the decision will be delayed.
Which almost anyone could have predicted given current events.
Reposted by Josh Wilkes
Pastel pink and blue clouds in the sky above Keelung Islet and a container ship on its way to Keelung Port.
August 27, 2025 at 3:48 AM
Pastel pink and blue clouds in the sky above Keelung Islet and a container ship on its way to Keelung Port.
Reposted by Josh Wilkes
In case you missed this yesterday from me on saving the last big animal surviving by itself wild in the Yangtze River. #China CLICK ON LINK to read
www.bbc.com/news/article...
www.bbc.com/news/article...
Saving China's finless porpoise from the brink of extinction
Scientists are racing to protect what some view as "the most important animal" in the Yangtze.
www.bbc.com
August 22, 2025 at 2:16 AM
In case you missed this yesterday from me on saving the last big animal surviving by itself wild in the Yangtze River. #China CLICK ON LINK to read
www.bbc.com/news/article...
www.bbc.com/news/article...
Reposted by Josh Wilkes
"Amazing" is a grossly-overused word these days, but sometimes it's the only one to use, and this new view of Mars, made from images taken by Perseverance yesterday, definitely is amazing. I hope you all like it! (Please Share if you do!) Image Credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech/S Atkinson
August 18, 2025 at 8:50 AM
"Amazing" is a grossly-overused word these days, but sometimes it's the only one to use, and this new view of Mars, made from images taken by Perseverance yesterday, definitely is amazing. I hope you all like it! (Please Share if you do!) Image Credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech/S Atkinson
This is very good
July 28, 2025 at 9:19 AM
This is very good
Reposted by Josh Wilkes
It’s kind of funny seeing pro-China types interpret the recall results as meaning that the Taiwanese public, in fact, identifies as Chinese. Er, no, lol
July 26, 2025 at 6:20 PM
It’s kind of funny seeing pro-China types interpret the recall results as meaning that the Taiwanese public, in fact, identifies as Chinese. Er, no, lol
My sense is that this is bad for the pro-recall camp.
But maybe not!
But maybe not!
July 26, 2025 at 7:05 AM
My sense is that this is bad for the pro-recall camp.
But maybe not!
But maybe not!
Reposted by Josh Wilkes
Tiktok got banned despite massive efforts to demonstrate that Beijing wouldn't access US data.
All the while, the U.S. government allowed China-based Microsoft service teams to directly access classified government systems w/ nominal supervision.
www.propublica.org/article/micr...
All the while, the U.S. government allowed China-based Microsoft service teams to directly access classified government systems w/ nominal supervision.
www.propublica.org/article/micr...
A Little-Known Microsoft Program Could Expose the Defense Department to Chinese Hackers
The Pentagon bans foreign citizens from accessing highly sensitive data, but Microsoft bypasses this by using engineers in China and elsewhere to remotely instruct American “escorts” who may lack expe...
www.propublica.org
July 16, 2025 at 3:09 AM
Tiktok got banned despite massive efforts to demonstrate that Beijing wouldn't access US data.
All the while, the U.S. government allowed China-based Microsoft service teams to directly access classified government systems w/ nominal supervision.
www.propublica.org/article/micr...
All the while, the U.S. government allowed China-based Microsoft service teams to directly access classified government systems w/ nominal supervision.
www.propublica.org/article/micr...
Reposted by Josh Wilkes
EXCLUSIVE
Beijing has dropped sanctions on Reinhard Buetikofer, the former EU lawmaker it sanctioned in 2021, as it looks to normalise ties with the European Parliament.
www.scmp.com/news/china/d...
Beijing has dropped sanctions on Reinhard Buetikofer, the former EU lawmaker it sanctioned in 2021, as it looks to normalise ties with the European Parliament.
www.scmp.com/news/china/d...
Exclusive | China lifts its sanctions on retired EU lawmaker Reinhard Buetikofer
The move is seen to lead to new engagement between European Parliament and China’s National People’s Congress, which have not met since 2018.
www.scmp.com
July 15, 2025 at 3:41 PM
EXCLUSIVE
Beijing has dropped sanctions on Reinhard Buetikofer, the former EU lawmaker it sanctioned in 2021, as it looks to normalise ties with the European Parliament.
www.scmp.com/news/china/d...
Beijing has dropped sanctions on Reinhard Buetikofer, the former EU lawmaker it sanctioned in 2021, as it looks to normalise ties with the European Parliament.
www.scmp.com/news/china/d...
I can think of another country as well...
NATO discussing the “Asia Pacific Four” should seek to include the Philippines as well
foreignpolicy.com/2025/07/09/n...
foreignpolicy.com/2025/07/09/n...
Closing NATO’s Indo-Pacific Gap
European allies should strengthen NATO’s Indo-Pacific ties as Washington wavers.
foreignpolicy.com
July 10, 2025 at 5:18 AM
I can think of another country as well...
Reposted by Josh Wilkes
Reposted by Josh Wilkes
Mandarin is one of the four main languages or language groups spoken in Taiwan. It is also the most widely used. However, as shown on the map, Mandarin is primarily spoken in northern and eastern Taiwan. In the south, other languages dominate. I’ll introduce those in a future post.
July 9, 2025 at 1:39 AM
Mandarin is one of the four main languages or language groups spoken in Taiwan. It is also the most widely used. However, as shown on the map, Mandarin is primarily spoken in northern and eastern Taiwan. In the south, other languages dominate. I’ll introduce those in a future post.
Reposted by Josh Wilkes
The Taiwan Navy has activated the 6th Mobile Company of the Hai Feng Battalion in recent days.
The Hai Feng Battalion operates Taiwan's land-based anti-ship missiles.
The Hai Feng Battalion operates Taiwan's land-based anti-ship missiles.
July 1, 2025 at 3:49 AM
The Taiwan Navy has activated the 6th Mobile Company of the Hai Feng Battalion in recent days.
The Hai Feng Battalion operates Taiwan's land-based anti-ship missiles.
The Hai Feng Battalion operates Taiwan's land-based anti-ship missiles.
Reposted by Josh Wilkes
This survey is being conducted by the Control Yuan, which I have come to believe is more important than it appears to be. Often it is the government agency that establishes the facts on which policy is built. So please consider completing the survey.
focustaiwan.tw/society/2025...
focustaiwan.tw/society/2025...
Taiwan asks foreigners to take road safety survey - Focus Taiwan
Taiwan's top government watchdog is inviting foreigners living in the country to complete a questionnaire about how well they believe the public sector is working to improve road safety.
focustaiwan.tw
May 12, 2025 at 9:29 AM
This survey is being conducted by the Control Yuan, which I have come to believe is more important than it appears to be. Often it is the government agency that establishes the facts on which policy is built. So please consider completing the survey.
focustaiwan.tw/society/2025...
focustaiwan.tw/society/2025...
Reposted by Josh Wilkes
Taiwan opposition leader Eric Chu compared the DPP to Nazis after opposition supporters forged signatures and faced legal consequences, and Chu doubled down when Germany’s de facto embassy confronted him.
The diplomatic missions of the EU, Netherlands, Belgium, and France have joined Germany.
The diplomatic missions of the EU, Netherlands, Belgium, and France have joined Germany.
May 9, 2025 at 12:06 AM
Taiwan opposition leader Eric Chu compared the DPP to Nazis after opposition supporters forged signatures and faced legal consequences, and Chu doubled down when Germany’s de facto embassy confronted him.
The diplomatic missions of the EU, Netherlands, Belgium, and France have joined Germany.
The diplomatic missions of the EU, Netherlands, Belgium, and France have joined Germany.
Reposted by Josh Wilkes
Since 2 March, no aid has entered the Gaza Strip due to a decision by the Israeli authorities. MSF is running low on essential supplies and fuel needed to sustain its medical response, while the number of critically injured patients continues to rise.
May 7, 2025 at 8:10 PM
Since 2 March, no aid has entered the Gaza Strip due to a decision by the Israeli authorities. MSF is running low on essential supplies and fuel needed to sustain its medical response, while the number of critically injured patients continues to rise.
Reposted by Josh Wilkes
Four former pro-democracy lawmakers in Hong Kong have been released from prison after serving time for their involvement in an unofficial 2020 primary election.
hongkongfp.com/2025/04/29/4... Claudia Mo, Gary Fan, Jeremy Tam, and Kwok Ka-ki are the first group of 45 democrats to be discharged.
hongkongfp.com/2025/04/29/4... Claudia Mo, Gary Fan, Jeremy Tam, and Kwok Ka-ki are the first group of 45 democrats to be discharged.
April 29, 2025 at 3:38 AM
Four former pro-democracy lawmakers in Hong Kong have been released from prison after serving time for their involvement in an unofficial 2020 primary election.
hongkongfp.com/2025/04/29/4... Claudia Mo, Gary Fan, Jeremy Tam, and Kwok Ka-ki are the first group of 45 democrats to be discharged.
hongkongfp.com/2025/04/29/4... Claudia Mo, Gary Fan, Jeremy Tam, and Kwok Ka-ki are the first group of 45 democrats to be discharged.
Reposted by Josh Wilkes
If TableMedia is right, Merz will appoint a foreign minister highly critical of Beijing.
Johann Wadephul has called Xi a dictator & criticised China’s violations of int’l law & human rights. He’s said the HK crackdown damaged Beijing’s credibility. And on Taiwan: “The free world stands together.”
Johann Wadephul has called Xi a dictator & criticised China’s violations of int’l law & human rights. He’s said the HK crackdown damaged Beijing’s credibility. And on Taiwan: “The free world stands together.”
April 27, 2025 at 1:55 PM
If TableMedia is right, Merz will appoint a foreign minister highly critical of Beijing.
Johann Wadephul has called Xi a dictator & criticised China’s violations of int’l law & human rights. He’s said the HK crackdown damaged Beijing’s credibility. And on Taiwan: “The free world stands together.”
Johann Wadephul has called Xi a dictator & criticised China’s violations of int’l law & human rights. He’s said the HK crackdown damaged Beijing’s credibility. And on Taiwan: “The free world stands together.”
Based on a true story
April 24, 2025 at 4:56 AM
Based on a true story
Reposted by Josh Wilkes
A rare public protest in Chengdu
"Without political reform there can be no national rejuvenation"
"The people do not want a party with unbound power"
"China does not need someone to dictate her path, because democracy is the way"
"Without political reform there can be no national rejuvenation"
"The people do not want a party with unbound power"
"China does not need someone to dictate her path, because democracy is the way"
4月15日凌晨，四川成都
某高架桥上被人悬挂横幅
“没有政治体制改革就没有民族复兴”
“人民不需要一个权力不受制约的政党”
“中国不需要谁指明方向，民主才是方向”
某高架桥上被人悬挂横幅
“没有政治体制改革就没有民族复兴”
“人民不需要一个权力不受制约的政党”
“中国不需要谁指明方向，民主才是方向”
April 15, 2025 at 4:44 AM
A rare public protest in Chengdu
"Without political reform there can be no national rejuvenation"
"The people do not want a party with unbound power"
"China does not need someone to dictate her path, because democracy is the way"
"Without political reform there can be no national rejuvenation"
"The people do not want a party with unbound power"
"China does not need someone to dictate her path, because democracy is the way"
Live footage of Trump's tariffs policy:
April 13, 2025 at 5:27 AM
Live footage of Trump's tariffs policy: