Sense Hofstede
@sensehofstede.nl
Researcher and teacher of the Indo-Pacific. Studies China, Singapore, and Taiwan; nationalism, party-state & international relations. | 何森璱
https://sensehofstede.nl/
https://sensehofstede.nl/
PLA tremors and the Chairman in charge – Holly Snape for Sinocism: ‘though the CMC’s own pool of expertise has shrunk, military reforms and CRS institutionalization have already placed greater weight on expertise in the theatre commands to translate top-level commands into enforceable action.’
PLA Tremors and the Chairman in Charge
A guest post by Holly Snape on the Chairman Responsibility System - On the same day the news hit that Central Military Commission (CMC) Vice Chairman Zhang Youxia and member Liu Zhenli had been placed...
sinocism.com
February 9, 2026 at 10:41 AM
PLA tremors and the Chairman in charge – Holly Snape for Sinocism: ‘though the CMC’s own pool of expertise has shrunk, military reforms and CRS institutionalization have already placed greater weight on expertise in the theatre commands to translate top-level commands into enforceable action.’
Former MP Sjoerd Sjoerdsma (D66/Renew) has been designated as incoming Dutch minister for international trade and development. Sjoerdsma was sanctioned by China and target of a likely Beijing-linked phishing attack on IPAC members while in parliament. He’s also on a Russian blacklist.
Van Veldhoven minister van Klimaat, Sjoerdsma naar Buitenlandse Handel
Steeds meer namen van bewindspersonen van het minderheidskabinet-Jetten zijn bekend. Zo wordt oud-D66-Kamerlid Stientje van Veldhoven minister van Klimaat en Groene Groei. Dat melden bronnen aan de po...
www.rtl.nl
February 9, 2026 at 10:05 AM
Former MP Sjoerd Sjoerdsma (D66/Renew) has been designated as incoming Dutch minister for international trade and development. Sjoerdsma was sanctioned by China and target of a likely Beijing-linked phishing attack on IPAC members while in parliament. He’s also on a Russian blacklist.
Jimmy Lai jailed for 20 years in Hong Kong after national security conviction – HKFP: ‘editor-in-chief Ryan Law, executive editor-in-chief Lam Man-chung, and editorial writer Fung Wai-kong all received 10-year jail terms.’
Jimmy Lai jailed for 20 years in Hong Kong after nat. security conviction
Hong Kong pro-democracy media tycoon Jimmy Lai has been jailed for 20 years following his foreign collusion and sedition conviction.
hongkongfp.com
February 9, 2026 at 9:24 AM
Jimmy Lai jailed for 20 years in Hong Kong after national security conviction – HKFP: ‘editor-in-chief Ryan Law, executive editor-in-chief Lam Man-chung, and editorial writer Fung Wai-kong all received 10-year jail terms.’
China looms behind Takaichi Sanae (LDP)’s historic win in Japan election – Nikkei Asia: ‘The LDP became the first single party to win more than two-thirds of lower house seats in postwar Japan.’ ‘the threshold for initiating the constitutional amendment process, which also requires a referendum.’
China looms behind Takaichi's historic win in Japan election
Beijing downplays landslide it may have helped trigger with pressure on PM over Taiwan
asia.nikkei.com
February 9, 2026 at 9:14 AM
China looms behind Takaichi Sanae (LDP)’s historic win in Japan election – Nikkei Asia: ‘The LDP became the first single party to win more than two-thirds of lower house seats in postwar Japan.’ ‘the threshold for initiating the constitutional amendment process, which also requires a referendum.’
Australia has imposed a 10% tariff on steel ceiling frames from China, following an investigation by the nation’s Anti-Dumping Commission – Bloomberg
Australia Places Tariff on Chinese Steel Frames, Citing Dumping
Australia has imposed a 10% tariff on steel ceiling frames from China, following an investigation by the nation’s Anti-Dumping Commission.
www.bloomberg.com
February 9, 2026 at 8:59 AM
Australia has imposed a 10% tariff on steel ceiling frames from China, following an investigation by the nation’s Anti-Dumping Commission – Bloomberg
Chinese officials have urged banks to limit purchases of US government bonds and instructed those with high exposure to pare down their positions, sources say – Bloomberg: ‘guidance reflects growing wariness among officials that large holdings of US government debt may expose banks to sharp swings’
China Urges Banks to Curb Exposure to US Treasuries
Chinese regulators have advised financial institutions to rein in their holdings of US Treasuries, citing concerns over concentration risks and market volatility, according to people familiar with the...
www.bloomberg.com
February 9, 2026 at 8:57 AM
Chinese officials have urged banks to limit purchases of US government bonds and instructed those with high exposure to pare down their positions, sources say – Bloomberg: ‘guidance reflects growing wariness among officials that large holdings of US government debt may expose banks to sharp swings’
US challenges Chinese control in race for African minerals – Reuters: ‘using offtake deals and state-backed funding to compete in the short term with China in securing supplies of African copper, cobalt and other critical minerals’
US challenges Chinese control in race for African minerals
The U.S. is using offtake deals and state-backed funding to compete in the short term with China in securing supplies of African copper, cobalt and other critical minerals, diplomats, executives and a...
www.reuters.com
February 9, 2026 at 8:56 AM
US challenges Chinese control in race for African minerals – Reuters: ‘using offtake deals and state-backed funding to compete in the short term with China in securing supplies of African copper, cobalt and other critical minerals’
UK universities told by government to step up defences against intimidation and censorship by China – FT: ‘The Cabinet Office will this week set up a centralised route to report attempts at academic interference’
UK universities told to step up defences against intimidation by China
Security services to launch advisory scheme for threatened academics in wake of Sheffield Hallam row
www.ft.com
February 9, 2026 at 8:49 AM
UK universities told by government to step up defences against intimidation and censorship by China – FT: ‘The Cabinet Office will this week set up a centralised route to report attempts at academic interference’
Taiwan‘s Vice Premier Cheng Li-chiun says 40% shift of chip capacity to US is ‘impossible’ – Reuters: ‘pushing back against recent comments by American officials [Lutnick] who called for a major production shift.’
Taiwan says 40% shift of chip capacity to US is 'impossible'
It would be "impossible" to move 40% of Taiwan's semiconductor capacity to the U.S., the island's top tariff negotiator said, pushing back against recent comments by American officials who called for ...
www.reuters.com
February 9, 2026 at 8:47 AM
Taiwan‘s Vice Premier Cheng Li-chiun says 40% shift of chip capacity to US is ‘impossible’ – Reuters: ‘pushing back against recent comments by American officials [Lutnick] who called for a major production shift.’
Mirror Media claims that CCP’s Wang Huning made three demands of visiting KMT Vice Chair Hsiao Hsu-tsen, including blocking defence spending, frustrating Taiwan-US supply chain cooperation moving away from China, and ensuring Cheng ‘peace framework’ aligns with ‘unification’. Linked to Xi meeting.
北京對藍攤牌1／中攤牌藍營交3作業 擋軍購、供應鏈與「和平框架」紅線 – 鏡週刊：「王在會中以統一為核心，強硬定調對台方針，針對台灣對美軍購、台美共組非紅供應鏈，以及所謂『和平框架』的政治前提，直接要求藍營作出『正確選擇』，相關內容也被解讀為，北京當面回應國民黨主席鄭麗文日前拋出的「和平框架」主張，熟悉兩岸事務人士直言：『這場會面，形同北京對藍營攤牌、下達作業指令。』」
北京對藍攤牌1／中攤牌藍營交3作業 擋軍購、供應鏈與「和平框架」紅線 - 鏡週刊 Mirror Media
國民黨副主席蕭旭岑訪中結束，此行各方解讀為鋪陳3月鄭習會，卻被北京直接攤牌，四日行程最後一天會晤中共政協主席王滬寧，王在會中以統一為核心，強硬定調對台方針，針對台灣對美軍購、台美共組非紅供應鏈，以及所謂「和平框架」的政治前提，直接要求藍營作出「正確選擇」，相關內容也被解讀為，北京當面回應國民黨主席鄭麗文日前拋出的「和平...
www.mirrormedia.mg
February 8, 2026 at 9:08 PM
Mirror Media claims that CCP’s Wang Huning made three demands of visiting KMT Vice Chair Hsiao Hsu-tsen, including blocking defence spending, frustrating Taiwan-US supply chain cooperation moving away from China, and ensuring Cheng ‘peace framework’ aligns with ‘unification’. Linked to Xi meeting.
北京對藍攤牌1／中攤牌藍營交3作業 擋軍購、供應鏈與「和平框架」紅線 – 鏡週刊：「王在會中以統一為核心，強硬定調對台方針，針對台灣對美軍購、台美共組非紅供應鏈，以及所謂『和平框架』的政治前提，直接要求藍營作出『正確選擇』，相關內容也被解讀為，北京當面回應國民黨主席鄭麗文日前拋出的「和平框架」主張，熟悉兩岸事務人士直言：『這場會面，形同北京對藍營攤牌、下達作業指令。』」
北京對藍攤牌1／中攤牌藍營交3作業 擋軍購、供應鏈與「和平框架」紅線 - 鏡週刊 Mirror Media
國民黨副主席蕭旭岑訪中結束，此行各方解讀為鋪陳3月鄭習會，卻被北京直接攤牌，四日行程最後一天會晤中共政協主席王滬寧，王在會中以統一為核心，強硬定調對台方針，針對台灣對美軍購、台美共組非紅供應鏈，以及所謂「和平框架」的政治前提，直接要求藍營作出「正確選擇」，相關內容也被解讀為，北京當面回應國民黨主席鄭麗文日前拋出的「和平...
www.mirrormedia.mg
February 8, 2026 at 9:03 PM
北京對藍攤牌1／中攤牌藍營交3作業 擋軍購、供應鏈與「和平框架」紅線 – 鏡週刊：「王在會中以統一為核心，強硬定調對台方針，針對台灣對美軍購、台美共組非紅供應鏈，以及所謂『和平框架』的政治前提，直接要求藍營作出『正確選擇』，相關內容也被解讀為，北京當面回應國民黨主席鄭麗文日前拋出的「和平框架」主張，熟悉兩岸事務人士直言：『這場會面，形同北京對藍營攤牌、下達作業指令。』」
Hondura’s new president Asfura mulling restoring ties with Taiwan – AFP: ‘after his meeting with US President Donald Trump at the latter’s Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida.’
Asfura mulling restoring ties with Taiwan - Taipei Times
Bringing Taiwan to the World and the World to Taiwan
www.taipeitimes.com
February 8, 2026 at 8:50 PM
Hondura’s new president Asfura mulling restoring ties with Taiwan – AFP: ‘after his meeting with US President Donald Trump at the latter’s Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida.’
De Wever, Meloni, and Merz to host pre-summit competitiveness meeting – POLITICO Europe: ‘Leaders from Eastern and Northern European states have confirmed their participation, as well as the European Commission.’
De Wever, Meloni, Merz to host pre-summit competitiveness meeting
Belgian, Italian and German leaders convene broader group to push deregulation, the single market and trade deals.
www.politico.eu
February 8, 2026 at 10:36 AM
De Wever, Meloni, and Merz to host pre-summit competitiveness meeting – POLITICO Europe: ‘Leaders from Eastern and Northern European states have confirmed their participation, as well as the European Commission.’
China ties must not be marred by ‘politics’, visiting Israeli diplomat Aviv Ezra says – SCMP: ‘deputy director general for Asia and the Pacific […] was in China last week for a working visit, the highest-level Israeli official to make such a trip since the Gaza war broke out in 2023.’
Israeli diplomat Aviv Ezra says ties with China must not be marred by ‘politics’
Highest level official to visit China since Gaza war highlights opportunities for China and Israel to advance ties as peace deal progresses.
www.scmp.com
February 8, 2026 at 10:33 AM
China ties must not be marred by ‘politics’, visiting Israeli diplomat Aviv Ezra says – SCMP: ‘deputy director general for Asia and the Pacific […] was in China last week for a working visit, the highest-level Israeli official to make such a trip since the Gaza war broke out in 2023.’
What the Indian Army Chief’s memoir tells us about China’s PLA – Ananth Krishnan: ‘For whatever reason, the PLA was, as Naravane put it, clearly looking for a fight in May 2020.’
What the Indian Army Chief’s Memoir Tells Us About the PLA
New light on the border crisis and future challenges on the LAC
indiachina.substack.com
February 8, 2026 at 10:31 AM
What the Indian Army Chief’s memoir tells us about China’s PLA – Ananth Krishnan: ‘For whatever reason, the PLA was, as Naravane put it, clearly looking for a fight in May 2020.’
China plays significant role in humanitarian endeavours in Middle East, ICRC official says – Xinhua: ‘Von Arx expressed gratitude for China’s support and cooperation with the ICRC, and commended the country's respect for international humanitarian law.’
China plays significant role in humanitarian endeavors in Middle East: ICRC official
english.news.cn
February 8, 2026 at 10:21 AM
China plays significant role in humanitarian endeavours in Middle East, ICRC official says – Xinhua: ‘Von Arx expressed gratitude for China’s support and cooperation with the ICRC, and commended the country's respect for international humanitarian law.’
PLA conducts routine patrols in South China Sea, spokesperson says – Xinhua: ‘stated that the Philippines had colluded with a certain country outside the region to stage so-called “bilateral air patrols,” which had undermined peace and stability in the region.’
PLA conducts routine patrols in South China Sea: spokesperson
english.news.cn
February 8, 2026 at 10:19 AM
PLA conducts routine patrols in South China Sea, spokesperson says – Xinhua: ‘stated that the Philippines had colluded with a certain country outside the region to stage so-called “bilateral air patrols,” which had undermined peace and stability in the region.’
China’s military command tightens discipline at the top in generals’ wake – SCMP: ‘updates to disciplinary rules for party members in the People’s Liberation Army.’
‘The PLA Daily, the military’s official newspaper, reported on Saturday that the revisions were to “actively respond to key concerns”’
‘The PLA Daily, the military’s official newspaper, reported on Saturday that the revisions were to “actively respond to key concerns”’
China’s military command tightens discipline at the top in generals’ wake
Revised rules are meant to close loopholes, PLA mouthpiece says, two weeks after Zhang Youxia and Liu Zhenli’s downfall.
www.scmp.com
February 8, 2026 at 10:15 AM
China’s military command tightens discipline at the top in generals’ wake – SCMP: ‘updates to disciplinary rules for party members in the People’s Liberation Army.’
‘The PLA Daily, the military’s official newspaper, reported on Saturday that the revisions were to “actively respond to key concerns”’
‘The PLA Daily, the military’s official newspaper, reported on Saturday that the revisions were to “actively respond to key concerns”’
Producers of film about Lin family murders apologise – Taipei Times: ‘democracy advocate [and future DPP chair] Lin I-hsiung […] was still detained […] at the Jingmei Military Detention Center,’ ‘his mother and twin daughters were murdered and his eldest daughter was severely injured in his home’
Producers of film about Lin family murders apologize - Taipei Times
Bringing Taiwan to the World and the World to Taiwan
www.taipeitimes.com
February 8, 2026 at 10:08 AM
Producers of film about Lin family murders apologise – Taipei Times: ‘democracy advocate [and future DPP chair] Lin I-hsiung […] was still detained […] at the Jingmei Military Detention Center,’ ‘his mother and twin daughters were murdered and his eldest daughter was severely injured in his home’
China-UK Financial Working Group holds inaugural meeting in Beijing – Xinhua: ‘According to the PBOC, the two sides agreed to work toward signing a memorandum of understanding on cooperation in the area of central counterparty supervision between the PBOC and the Bank of England.’
China-UK Financial Working Group holds inaugural meeting in Beijing
english.news.cn
February 7, 2026 at 11:00 AM
China-UK Financial Working Group holds inaugural meeting in Beijing – Xinhua: ‘According to the PBOC, the two sides agreed to work toward signing a memorandum of understanding on cooperation in the area of central counterparty supervision between the PBOC and the Bank of England.’
Senior CCP official Cai Qi visits renowned cultural and sci-tech figures ahead of Chinese New Year – Xinhua: ‘on behalf of General Secretary of the CPC Central Committee Xi Jinping and the CPC Central Committee.’
Senior CPC official visits renowned cultural, sci-tech figures ahead of Chinese New Year
english.news.cn
February 7, 2026 at 11:00 AM
Senior CCP official Cai Qi visits renowned cultural and sci-tech figures ahead of Chinese New Year – Xinhua: ‘on behalf of General Secretary of the CPC Central Committee Xi Jinping and the CPC Central Committee.’
A relentless selloff in BYD shares is laying bare investor anxiety over the profit outlook for China’s EV sector, as cooling demand at home and surging raw material costs trigger a brutal reset of expectations – Bloomberg: ‘Exports remain a bright spot’
BYD’s $60 Billion Wipeout Points to Deeper Turmoil for China EVs
A relentless selloff in BYD Co. shares is laying bare investor anxiety over the profit outlook for China’s electric-vehicle sector, as cooling demand at home and surging raw material costs trigger a b...
www.bloomberg.com
February 7, 2026 at 10:58 AM
A relentless selloff in BYD shares is laying bare investor anxiety over the profit outlook for China’s EV sector, as cooling demand at home and surging raw material costs trigger a brutal reset of expectations – Bloomberg: ‘Exports remain a bright spot’
The ECB is vigilant on cheap imports from China weighing on inflation, Governing Council member Francois Villeroy de Galhau says – Bloomberg: ‘The Bank of France chief said a shift in flows as the US market closes for Chinese exporters is among the downside risks for prices in the euro area.’
ECB Watching Inflation Impact of China Imports, Villeroy Says
The European Central Bank is vigilant on cheap imports from China weighing on inflation, Governing Council member Francois Villeroy de Galhau said.
www.bloomberg.com
February 7, 2026 at 10:56 AM
The ECB is vigilant on cheap imports from China weighing on inflation, Governing Council member Francois Villeroy de Galhau says – Bloomberg: ‘The Bank of France chief said a shift in flows as the US market closes for Chinese exporters is among the downside risks for prices in the euro area.’
Norway’s foreign intelligence service sees a growing risk of a more assertive Russia and China as the US pulls back from international cooperation and institutions – Bloomberg
Norway Spy Agency Says US Change Risks Russia and China Power Moves
Norway’s foreign intelligence service sees a growing risk of a more assertive Russia and China as the US pulls back from international cooperation and institutions.
www.bloomberg.com
February 7, 2026 at 10:56 AM
Norway’s foreign intelligence service sees a growing risk of a more assertive Russia and China as the US pulls back from international cooperation and institutions – Bloomberg
Canada’s government is working to land a Chinese-Canadian auto plant that will export electric vehicles globally, Industry Minister Mélanie Joly said – Bloomberg
Canada Eyes Joint Venture to Build Chinese EVs for Global Export
Canada’s government is working to land a Chinese-Canadian auto plant that will export electric vehicles globally, Industry Minister Mélanie Joly said.
www.bloomberg.com
February 7, 2026 at 10:54 AM
Canada’s government is working to land a Chinese-Canadian auto plant that will export electric vehicles globally, Industry Minister Mélanie Joly said – Bloomberg