Phelim Kine
@phelimkine.bsky.social
D.C.-based China correspondent @politico ; Past @hrw.org ; Dow Jones Newswires, Phnom Penh Post; China News (Taiwan).
New/old administration peeps: DMs open! Tips to pkine AT politico.com SIGNAL +1 212 810 0469
New/old administration peeps: DMs open! Tips to pkine AT politico.com SIGNAL +1 212 810 0469
Reposted by Phelim Kine
Those who yearn for a return of the culture of 500 years ago, a reminder that, lack of indoor plumbing aside, there was a belief in dangerous Sea Cows and trees that bred ducks.
November 23, 2025 at 5:18 PM
Those who yearn for a return of the culture of 500 years ago, a reminder that, lack of indoor plumbing aside, there was a belief in dangerous Sea Cows and trees that bred ducks.
Reposted by Phelim Kine
Not to be a Netflix ad, but philosophical "Train Dreams" has this year's best #cinematography (lensed by Adolpho Veloso). A good engaging, medidative movie overall.
#TrainDreams
#TrainDreams
November 25, 2025 at 11:42 AM
Not to be a Netflix ad, but philosophical "Train Dreams" has this year's best #cinematography (lensed by Adolpho Veloso). A good engaging, medidative movie overall.
#TrainDreams
#TrainDreams
Trump himself has been silent on Beijing’s attacks on Prime Minister Takaichi — puzzling Japan watchers.
“The Japanese view is that this is not good enough — they would like a leader-level statement for a leader-level problem"
@politico.com www.politico.com/newsletters/...
“The Japanese view is that this is not good enough — they would like a leader-level statement for a leader-level problem"
@politico.com www.politico.com/newsletters/...
November 25, 2025 at 9:32 PM
Trump himself has been silent on Beijing’s attacks on Prime Minister Takaichi — puzzling Japan watchers.
“The Japanese view is that this is not good enough — they would like a leader-level statement for a leader-level problem"
@politico.com www.politico.com/newsletters/...
“The Japanese view is that this is not good enough — they would like a leader-level statement for a leader-level problem"
@politico.com www.politico.com/newsletters/...
Taiwan Pres Lai Ching-te pitches an "unassailable" Taiwan via "development of 'T-Dome,' a multilayered, integrated defense system designed to protect Taiwan from PRC missiles, rockets, drones and combat aircraft" www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/202...
Opinion | Taiwan’s president: I will boost defense spending to protect our democracy
An unprecedented military buildup by China threatens peace and stability in the region.
www.washingtonpost.com
November 25, 2025 at 4:57 PM
Taiwan Pres Lai Ching-te pitches an "unassailable" Taiwan via "development of 'T-Dome,' a multilayered, integrated defense system designed to protect Taiwan from PRC missiles, rockets, drones and combat aircraft" www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/202...
"The wording of the Foreign Ministry's statement suggests Xi reached out as part of a Chinese uproar over Japanese Prime Minister SANAE TAKAICHI’s comments that aggression against Taiwan would likely spark a Japanese military response" @politico.com www.politico.com/newsletters/...
November 24, 2025 at 10:01 PM
"The wording of the Foreign Ministry's statement suggests Xi reached out as part of a Chinese uproar over Japanese Prime Minister SANAE TAKAICHI’s comments that aggression against Taiwan would likely spark a Japanese military response" @politico.com www.politico.com/newsletters/...
Sublime. "I sit in my car outside the parking lot, blasting ballads of unbearable yearning and scribbling in my diary about the mall as if it broke up with me" www.nytimes.com/2025/11/11/m...
Dying Shopping Malls Are the Roman Ruins of Our Civilization
www.nytimes.com
November 24, 2025 at 12:10 PM
Sublime. "I sit in my car outside the parking lot, blasting ballads of unbearable yearning and scribbling in my diary about the mall as if it broke up with me" www.nytimes.com/2025/11/11/m...
"The next few months will be critical if Washington and Taipei are to avoid an ugly turn that could ultimately jeopardize Taiwan’s survival and America’s strategic position" @HalBrands www.bloomberg.com/opinion/feat...
Taiwan Has Reached Its Tipping Point
With China squeezing harder and the US getting less reliable, the next few months will dictate the island's long-term future.
www.bloomberg.com
November 24, 2025 at 11:27 AM
"The next few months will be critical if Washington and Taipei are to avoid an ugly turn that could ultimately jeopardize Taiwan’s survival and America’s strategic position" @HalBrands www.bloomberg.com/opinion/feat...
“If we’re having to maintain primacy by invading this country that’s not posing a threat to us and launching a global campaign of antiterror, clearly, we’re on the decline" www.nytimes.com/2025/11/21/o...
Opinion | The Thucydides Trap Is Coming for America
www.nytimes.com
November 24, 2025 at 11:24 AM
“If we’re having to maintain primacy by invading this country that’s not posing a threat to us and launching a global campaign of antiterror, clearly, we’re on the decline" www.nytimes.com/2025/11/21/o...
Reposted by Phelim Kine
Boston's Mayor Wu playing with Yo-Yo Ma at Symphony Hall
November 23, 2025 at 5:11 AM
Boston's Mayor Wu playing with Yo-Yo Ma at Symphony Hall
Reposted by Phelim Kine
"She’s not trying to rebuild her reputation as a journalist—she’s building a different kind of brand entirely, one where being interesting matters more than being ethical, where attention is the only currency that still spends."
The best thing I have read about her. www.mediaite.com/opinion/the-...
The best thing I have read about her. www.mediaite.com/opinion/the-...
The Olivia Nuzzi Comeback Is Everything Wrong With Modern Media
Olivia Nuzzi’s comeback isn’t a personal scandal story—it’s proof that today’s media rewards access, personality, and controversy more than ethics.
www.mediaite.com
November 21, 2025 at 4:27 PM
"She’s not trying to rebuild her reputation as a journalist—she’s building a different kind of brand entirely, one where being interesting matters more than being ethical, where attention is the only currency that still spends."
The best thing I have read about her. www.mediaite.com/opinion/the-...
The best thing I have read about her. www.mediaite.com/opinion/the-...
"The Trump administration is trying to go after Chinese crime networks that bilk Americans of billions of dollars through online fraud schemes. But the U.S. is running up against Beijing’s unwillingness to play ball" @politico.com www.politico.com/newsletters/...
US hits China scamwall
The Trump administration is trying to go after Chinese crime networks that bilk Americans of billions of dollars through online fraud schemes. But the U.S. is running up against Beijing’s unwillingnes...
www.politico.com
November 21, 2025 at 9:07 PM
"The Trump administration is trying to go after Chinese crime networks that bilk Americans of billions of dollars through online fraud schemes. But the U.S. is running up against Beijing’s unwillingness to play ball" @politico.com www.politico.com/newsletters/...
"China absorbed full weight of U.S. economic pressure and retaliated successfully w/ greater pressure of its own, weaponizing its dominance of global supply chains on which America relies. A poorly prepared United States would not — or could not — respond" www.nytimes.com/2025/11/19/o...
Opinion | The Moment China Proved It Was America’s Equal
www.nytimes.com
November 20, 2025 at 1:27 PM
"China absorbed full weight of U.S. economic pressure and retaliated successfully w/ greater pressure of its own, weaponizing its dominance of global supply chains on which America relies. A poorly prepared United States would not — or could not — respond" www.nytimes.com/2025/11/19/o...
Reposted by Phelim Kine
China bought nearly a million tons of US soybeans, breaking an apparent pause, in a fresh signal that Beijing remains committed to its trade truce with Washington
November 20, 2025 at 1:21 PM
China bought nearly a million tons of US soybeans, breaking an apparent pause, in a fresh signal that Beijing remains committed to its trade truce with Washington
Reposted by Phelim Kine
It's amazing how "China will take Taiwan" has become a refrain attached to any crisis unfolding anywhere.
I think this will be the BIG spark that sets off the actual, open warfare of WW3.
Iran will collapse and millions will flee the country, causing a refugee crisis in Europe, the Mediterranean and Russia. China will try to exploit the chaos and take Taiwan, bringing in the US and Japan.
Iran will collapse and millions will flee the country, causing a refugee crisis in Europe, the Mediterranean and Russia. China will try to exploit the chaos and take Taiwan, bringing in the US and Japan.
This is pretty intense foreignpolicy.com/2025/11/11/t...
November 19, 2025 at 6:35 AM
It's amazing how "China will take Taiwan" has become a refrain attached to any crisis unfolding anywhere.
Reposted by Phelim Kine
Wild that threats and actions by PRC have no effect on tensions, but words from Japan PM in response DO "stir tensions". Why is it always the victims who "provoke"?
Less than a month into her term, Japan's conservative leader has stirred tensions with China by suggesting a Chinese move against Taiwan could prompt a Japanese military response.
Japan's new leader's remarks on threats toward Taiwan spark tensions with China
Less than a month into her term, Japan's conservative leader has stirred tensions with China by suggesting a Chinese move against Taiwan could prompt a Japanese military response.
n.pr
November 17, 2025 at 10:26 PM
Wild that threats and actions by PRC have no effect on tensions, but words from Japan PM in response DO "stir tensions". Why is it always the victims who "provoke"?
Reposted by Phelim Kine
Trump's fallout with Marjorie Taylor Greene has been dramatic.
One reason Trump may be lashing out: Fear that MTG is creating a "permission structure" for more lawmakers to break from him, says our @DashaBurns on #PlaybookPod.
🎧 pod.link/1169056746
One reason Trump may be lashing out: Fear that MTG is creating a "permission structure" for more lawmakers to break from him, says our @DashaBurns on #PlaybookPod.
🎧 pod.link/1169056746
November 17, 2025 at 5:23 PM
Trump's fallout with Marjorie Taylor Greene has been dramatic.
One reason Trump may be lashing out: Fear that MTG is creating a "permission structure" for more lawmakers to break from him, says our @DashaBurns on #PlaybookPod.
🎧 pod.link/1169056746
One reason Trump may be lashing out: Fear that MTG is creating a "permission structure" for more lawmakers to break from him, says our @DashaBurns on #PlaybookPod.
🎧 pod.link/1169056746
Reposted by Phelim Kine
COLUMN: “The way back for the Democratic Party is about how we work around what appears for some to be this immovable object, Trump and Trumpism,” @gavinnewsom.bsky.social tells our Jonathan Martin.
Read Martin’s column on how Newsom is well-positioned for the future of politics: politi.co/4o1i0rM
Read Martin’s column on how Newsom is well-positioned for the future of politics: politi.co/4o1i0rM
November 16, 2025 at 11:26 PM
COLUMN: “The way back for the Democratic Party is about how we work around what appears for some to be this immovable object, Trump and Trumpism,” @gavinnewsom.bsky.social tells our Jonathan Martin.
Read Martin’s column on how Newsom is well-positioned for the future of politics: politi.co/4o1i0rM
Read Martin’s column on how Newsom is well-positioned for the future of politics: politi.co/4o1i0rM
Reposted by Phelim Kine
Trump calls for Indiana GOP members to be ousted after redistricting efforts stall
Trump calls for Indiana GOP members to be ousted after redistricting efforts stall
“Any Republican that votes against this important redistricting, potentially having an impact on America itself, should be PRIMARIED,” the president said.
dlvr.it
November 16, 2025 at 5:31 PM
Trump calls for Indiana GOP members to be ousted after redistricting efforts stall
Reposted by Phelim Kine
Beijing doing its part to boost Japanese defense spending
Beijing launches new initiative to massively expand Japanese tourism to Taiwan😀. www.cnn.com/2025/11/15/c...
China warns citizens against Japan travel as Taiwan spat escalates | CNN
China has warned its citizens against traveling to Japan as it escalates a backlash over comments by the country’s prime minister about the island of Taiwan.
www.cnn.com
November 15, 2025 at 7:28 PM
Beijing doing its part to boost Japanese defense spending
Beijing launches new initiative to massively expand Japanese tourism to Taiwan😀. www.cnn.com/2025/11/15/c...
China warns citizens against Japan travel as Taiwan spat escalates | CNN
China has warned its citizens against traveling to Japan as it escalates a backlash over comments by the country’s prime minister about the island of Taiwan.
www.cnn.com
November 15, 2025 at 12:06 PM
Beijing launches new initiative to massively expand Japanese tourism to Taiwan😀. www.cnn.com/2025/11/15/c...
Reposted by Phelim Kine
1/ It should be noted that PRC is having local police departments in Fujian issue these notices... a denigration of Taiwan by treating it as an appendage of Fujian. Recall that the services pact essentially treated Taiwan as part of Fujian.
www.taiwannews.com.tw/news/6244547
www.taiwannews.com.tw/news/6244547
China issues bounty for arrest of two Taiwanese influencers | Taiwan News | Nov. 14, 2025 15:45
Quanzhou police seek arrest of pair who exposed CCP's united front tactics | Nov. 14, 2025 15:45
www.taiwannews.com.tw
November 15, 2025 at 1:06 AM
1/ It should be noted that PRC is having local police departments in Fujian issue these notices... a denigration of Taiwan by treating it as an appendage of Fujian. Recall that the services pact essentially treated Taiwan as part of Fujian.
www.taiwannews.com.tw/news/6244547
www.taiwannews.com.tw/news/6244547
Reposted by Phelim Kine
UNION STARBUCKS BARISTAS LAUNCH UNFAIR LABOR PRACTICE STRIKE IN 40+ CITIES NATIONWIDE
November 13, 2025 at 11:31 AM
UNION STARBUCKS BARISTAS LAUNCH UNFAIR LABOR PRACTICE STRIKE IN 40+ CITIES NATIONWIDE
“The language about ‘equality and respect’ and ‘positive energy’ carries conditions — Beijing is effectively saying the U.S. must scale back its regional presence before any genuine mil-to-mil stability is possible" @politico.com www.politico.com/newsletters/...
Beijing wants more Pentagon convos — but at a price
The Chinese government says that Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth had the right idea when he called for closer ties between the world’s most powerful militaries.
www.politico.com
November 12, 2025 at 9:30 PM
“The language about ‘equality and respect’ and ‘positive energy’ carries conditions — Beijing is effectively saying the U.S. must scale back its regional presence before any genuine mil-to-mil stability is possible" @politico.com www.politico.com/newsletters/...
Reposted by Phelim Kine
We are facing what can only be described as a Situation
Q: "Why are White House officials…meeting with Rep. Boebert in an effort to try to get her to not sign this petition calling for the release of the [Epstein] files?"
Leavitt: "I'm not going to detail conversations that took place in the situation room."
Leavitt: "I'm not going to detail conversations that took place in the situation room."
November 12, 2025 at 6:58 PM
We are facing what can only be described as a Situation
"Foreign countries expect talks to progress more quickly and they're betting a ruling against Trump’s tariffs could weaken his bargaining power, giving smaller economies a better chance to shape future pacts" @arihawkins.bsky.social @ddesrochers.bsky.social www.politico.com/news/2025/11...
Tariffs are on trial, but US trade talks are moving full steam ahead
As the justices weigh limits on Trump’s trade authority, foreign governments continue to seek deals, while hoping the case may give them more leverage.
www.politico.com
November 12, 2025 at 6:35 PM
"Foreign countries expect talks to progress more quickly and they're betting a ruling against Trump’s tariffs could weaken his bargaining power, giving smaller economies a better chance to shape future pacts" @arihawkins.bsky.social @ddesrochers.bsky.social www.politico.com/news/2025/11...