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/
BASF-Chef im Interview: „China stellt heute vieles selbst her, was früher aus Europa kam“ – FAZ: „Wir sollten nicht der Versuchung erliegen, eine Mauer um Europa zu ziehen. Es gibt Importdruck ohne Frage, aber das Thema wird zu stark auf China konzentriert.“
BASF-Chef: „China stellt heute vieles selbst her, was früher aus Europa kam“
BASF-Chef Markus Kamieth ist derzeit Präsident des europäischen Chemieverbands Cefic. Im Gespräch zeichnet er ein düsteres Bild der Lage der Industrie. Von den Regierungschefs der EU fordert er schnel...
www.faz.net
February 14, 2026 at 11:19 AM
BASF-Chef im Interview: „China stellt heute vieles selbst her, was früher aus Europa kam“ – FAZ: „Wir sollten nicht der Versuchung erliegen, eine Mauer um Europa zu ziehen. Es gibt Importdruck ohne Frage, aber das Thema wird zu stark auf China konzentriert.“
Chinese FM Wang calls on China and Britain to explore more potential for cooperation – Xinhua: ‘as major countries in the world and permanent members of the UN Security Council that both bear responsibilities for safeguarding international peace and security’
Chinese FM calls on China, Britain to explore more potential for cooperation
english.news.cn
February 14, 2026 at 11:16 AM
Chinese FM Wang calls on China and Britain to explore more potential for cooperation – Xinhua: ‘as major countries in the world and permanent members of the UN Security Council that both bear responsibilities for safeguarding international peace and security’
Chinese FM Wang urges China and France to work together to prevent world from reverting to ‘law of jungle’ – Xinhua: ‘Both China and France are independent and responsible major countries, and multilateral coordination is an important feature of their bilateral relationship, Wang said’
Chinese FM urges China, France to work together to prevent world from reverting to "law of jungle"
english.news.cn
February 14, 2026 at 11:15 AM
Chinese FM Wang urges China and France to work together to prevent world from reverting to ‘law of jungle’ – Xinhua: ‘Both China and France are independent and responsible major countries, and multilateral coordination is an important feature of their bilateral relationship, Wang said’
Chinese FM Wang urges China and Germany to jointly oppose unilateralism – Xinhua: ‘Both sides should firmly uphold the purposes and principles of the UN Charter, replace the “law of the jungle” with global governance, and work together to serve as a stabilizing force in a turbulent world, said Wang’
Chinese FM urges China, Germany to jointly oppose unilateralism
english.news.cn
February 14, 2026 at 11:15 AM
Chinese FM Wang urges China and Germany to jointly oppose unilateralism – Xinhua: ‘Both sides should firmly uphold the purposes and principles of the UN Charter, replace the “law of the jungle” with global governance, and work together to serve as a stabilizing force in a turbulent world, said Wang’
The future of China-US ties rests on Washington’s will, Wang Yi says in Munich – SCMP: ‘Wang also called for global governance to be reformed amid international turbulence and said Europe should not be watching the Ukraine war from the sidelines.’
The future of China-US ties rests on Washington’s will, Wang Yi says in Munich
The foreign minister delivers a speech at the Munich Security Conference, historically a platform for Beijing to signal global ambitions.
www.scmp.com
February 14, 2026 at 11:12 AM
The future of China-US ties rests on Washington’s will, Wang Yi says in Munich – SCMP: ‘Wang also called for global governance to be reformed amid international turbulence and said Europe should not be watching the Ukraine war from the sidelines.’
In Munich, France and Germany team up as China presses EU to think ‘globally’ – SCMP: ‘as the foreign ministers of France and Germany revived a dormant diplomatic format with China.’
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 11:10 AM
In Munich, France and Germany team up as China presses EU to think ‘globally’ – SCMP: ‘as the foreign ministers of France and Germany revived a dormant diplomatic format with China.’
China willing to strengthen cooperation with Austria, FM Wang says – Xinhua: ‘Wang also voiced China’s support for Europe in pursuing a path of strategic autonomy and contributing to building a safer, more harmonious and fairer world.’
China willing to strengthen cooperation with Austria: FM
english.news.cn
February 14, 2026 at 11:04 AM
China willing to strengthen cooperation with Austria, FM Wang says – Xinhua: ‘Wang also voiced China’s support for Europe in pursuing a path of strategic autonomy and contributing to building a safer, more harmonious and fairer world.’
China’s Wang and Serbia’s Vučić vow to boost ties and deepen cooperation amid global uncertainties – Xinhua: ‘[Wang] commended Vucic for leading the Serbian people to uphold independence, oppose foreign interference and effectively safeguard national stability, dignity and overall development.’
China, Serbia vow to boost ties, deepen cooperation amid global uncertainties
english.news.cn
February 14, 2026 at 11:03 AM
China’s Wang and Serbia’s Vučić vow to boost ties and deepen cooperation amid global uncertainties – Xinhua: ‘[Wang] commended Vucic for leading the Serbian people to uphold independence, oppose foreign interference and effectively safeguard national stability, dignity and overall development.’
Xi Focus: Xi Jinping extends Chinese New Year greetings to ring in Year of Horse – Xinhua: ‘Describing the ending Year of the Snake as extraordinary, Xi said China met difficulties head-on and made new progress in the face of a complex and volatile environment at home and abroad‘
Xi Focus: Xi extends Chinese New Year greetings to ring in Year of Horse
english.news.cn
February 14, 2026 at 11:00 AM
Xi Focus: Xi Jinping extends Chinese New Year greetings to ring in Year of Horse – Xinhua: ‘Describing the ending Year of the Snake as extraordinary, Xi said China met difficulties head-on and made new progress in the face of a complex and volatile environment at home and abroad‘
Looking to reduce China’s reliance on Western aviation technologies, Beijing had spies spend years accumulating knowledge about the industry’s secrets – Bloomberg Businessweek: ‘Bloomberg’s reporting has focused on a sprawling FBI investigation into a specific unit within the MSS, the Sixth Bureau.’
How Do You Steal an Airplane? One Piece at a Time
Looking to reduce China’s reliance on Western aviation technologies, Beijing had spies spend years accumulating knowledge about the industry’s secrets.
www.bloomberg.com
February 14, 2026 at 10:55 AM
Looking to reduce China’s reliance on Western aviation technologies, Beijing had spies spend years accumulating knowledge about the industry’s secrets – Bloomberg Businessweek: ‘Bloomberg’s reporting has focused on a sprawling FBI investigation into a specific unit within the MSS, the Sixth Bureau.’
Beijing will establish a permanent financial support framework to promote rural revitalisation and prevent a slide back into poverty, marking a shift from transitional aid to long-term support – Bloomberg
China Unveils Permanent Rural Finance Framework, Eases Risk Rule
China will establish a permanent financial support framework to promote rural revitalization and prevent a slide back into poverty, marking a shift from transitional aid to long-term support.
www.bloomberg.com
February 14, 2026 at 10:54 AM
Beijing will establish a permanent financial support framework to promote rural revitalisation and prevent a slide back into poverty, marking a shift from transitional aid to long-term support – Bloomberg
China increased its support for Russia’s war in Ukraine in 2025 and is likely to deepen cooperation with Moscow further this year, Western officials said –Bloomberg: ‘attempts by the Europeans to persuade their Chinese counterparts to help end the war have become more challenging over the past year’
China Expanding Aid to Russian War Effort, Western Officials Say
China increased its support for Russia’s war in Ukraine in 2025 and is likely to deepen cooperation with Moscow further this year, Western officials said, casting doubt on efforts by European leaders ...
www.bloomberg.com
February 14, 2026 at 10:52 AM
China increased its support for Russia’s war in Ukraine in 2025 and is likely to deepen cooperation with Moscow further this year, Western officials said –Bloomberg: ‘attempts by the Europeans to persuade their Chinese counterparts to help end the war have become more challenging over the past year’
China’s market regulator summoned major online platform companies on Friday, directing them to comply with laws and regulations, and rein in promotional practices – Bloomberg: ‘told them to eliminate all forms of so‑called “involution‑style” competition’
China Summons Alibaba, Other Platforms Over Pricing Practice
China’s market regulator summoned major online platform companies on Friday, directing them to comply with laws and regulations, and rein in promotional practices.
www.bloomberg.com
February 14, 2026 at 10:51 AM
China’s market regulator summoned major online platform companies on Friday, directing them to comply with laws and regulations, and rein in promotional practices – Bloomberg: ‘told them to eliminate all forms of so‑called “involution‑style” competition’
China’s foreign ministry office summons Western envoys in Hong Kong over Jimmy Lai sentencing criticism – Reuters
China summons Western envoys in Hong Kong over Jimmy Lai sentencing criticism
China’s foreign ministry commissioner’s office in Hong Kong said on Saturday it had summoned the heads of the UK, U.S., Australian and European Union missions over their officials’ negative comments o...
www.reuters.com
February 14, 2026 at 10:49 AM
China’s foreign ministry office summons Western envoys in Hong Kong over Jimmy Lai sentencing criticism – Reuters
Pentagon added Alibaba, BYD, Baidu, and TP-Link to a list of companies that aid the Chinese military—before withdrawing it minutes later without explanation – Bloomberg: ‘[repealed] list [had already been reduced by removing] two of China’s champions in production of memory chips, [CXMT] and [YMTC]’
US Briefly Lists Alibaba, Baidu as Firms Aiding China’s Military
The Pentagon added Alibaba Group Holding Ltd., BYD Co., Baidu Inc. and TP-Link Technologies Co. to a list of companies that aid the Chinese military – before withdrawing it minutes later without expla...
www.bloomberg.com
February 14, 2026 at 10:48 AM
Pentagon added Alibaba, BYD, Baidu, and TP-Link to a list of companies that aid the Chinese military—before withdrawing it minutes later without explanation – Bloomberg: ‘[repealed] list [had already been reduced by removing] two of China’s champions in production of memory chips, [CXMT] and [YMTC]’
TPP legislator Li Zhenxiu ‘authorises’ Mainland Affairs Council to handle Chinese citizenship processes – Taipei Times: ‘[MAC’s] Liang said that individuals wishing to renounce their original nationality must handle the process themselves, regardless of the country.’
TPP’s Li ‘authorizes’ MAC to handle China processes - Taipei Times
Bringing Taiwan to the World and the World to Taiwan
www.taipeitimes.com
February 14, 2026 at 10:36 AM
TPP legislator Li Zhenxiu ‘authorises’ Mainland Affairs Council to handle Chinese citizenship processes – Taipei Times: ‘[MAC’s] Liang said that individuals wishing to renounce their original nationality must handle the process themselves, regardless of the country.’
KMT to propose own defence budget considering US arms delays – Taipei Times: ‘Previous delays in the delivery of US arms are unacceptable and the greatest source of public concern regarding US arms purchases, she said.’
KMT to propose own defense budget considering US arms delays - Taipei Times
Bringing Taiwan to the World and the World to Taiwan
www.taipeitimes.com
February 14, 2026 at 10:34 AM
KMT to propose own defence budget considering US arms delays – Taipei Times: ‘Previous delays in the delivery of US arms are unacceptable and the greatest source of public concern regarding US arms purchases, she said.’
Taiwanese visits to China up 16.86% in 2025, still twenty per cent below pre-pandemic levels, tourism ministry says – Focus Taiwan
Taiwan visits to China up 16.86% in 2025, still below pre-pandemic levels: MOTC - Focus Taiwan
The number of trips made by Taiwanese travelers to China rose 16.86 percent year-on-year in 2025, but remained nearly 20 percent below pre-pandemic levels, according to data released by Taiwan's Minis...
focustaiwan.tw
February 14, 2026 at 10:33 AM
Taiwanese visits to China up 16.86% in 2025, still twenty per cent below pre-pandemic levels, tourism ministry says – Focus Taiwan
Taiwanese government to tackle forced labour issue after US trade deal – Focus Taiwan: ‘pledging to align domestic practices more closely with international labor and trade standards.’
Taiwan to tackle forced labor issue after US trade deal - Focus Taiwan
Taiwan will step up efforts to address forced labor issues following the signing of a new trade agreement with the United States, the Ministry of Labor (MOL) said Friday, pledging to align domestic pr...
focustaiwan.tw
February 14, 2026 at 10:32 AM
Taiwanese government to tackle forced labour issue after US trade deal – Focus Taiwan: ‘pledging to align domestic practices more closely with international labor and trade standards.’
Reposted by Sense Hofstede
Merz at MSC: Europe will not adopt MAGA vision of free speech. It does not support tariffs and protectionism. It believes in climate change and the need for the WHO. "The US will run up against its own limits if it tries to go it alone"
February 13, 2026 at 1:19 PM
Merz at MSC: Europe will not adopt MAGA vision of free speech. It does not support tariffs and protectionism. It believes in climate change and the need for the WHO. "The US will run up against its own limits if it tries to go it alone"
Reposted by Sense Hofstede
The Pentagon released an updated Section 1260H list of Chinese Military Companies this morning, but now the document has been withdrawn, according to the Federal Register. Reuters reported the list added Alibaba, Baidu, BYD and removed YMTC and CXMT.
February 13, 2026 at 3:27 PM
The Pentagon released an updated Section 1260H list of Chinese Military Companies this morning, but now the document has been withdrawn, according to the Federal Register. Reuters reported the list added Alibaba, Baidu, BYD and removed YMTC and CXMT.
China’s commerce ministry says semiconductor supply chain stability is top priority after Dutch ruling on Nexperia – Reuters: ‘The ministry urged the Dutch side to meet China half way and create favorable conditions for companies to resolve internal disputes.’
China says semiconductor supply chain stability is top priority after Dutch ruling on Nexperia
Restoring stability to global semiconductor supply chains is the top priority, China's commerce ministry said Friday in response to a Dutch court ruling earlier this week on Nexperia, according to a s...
www.reuters.com
February 13, 2026 at 2:03 PM
China’s commerce ministry says semiconductor supply chain stability is top priority after Dutch ruling on Nexperia – Reuters: ‘The ministry urged the Dutch side to meet China half way and create favorable conditions for companies to resolve internal disputes.’
French chemical firm Eurolysine files EU complaint over cheap Chinese feed ingredient lysine – Reuters
French firm files EU complaint over cheap Chinese feed ingredient
French chemical company Eurolysine has filed a complaint with the European Union saying that a reduction in prices of Chinese lysine, used in animal feed, has made penalties to stop unfair pricing ine...
www.reuters.com
February 13, 2026 at 2:01 PM
French chemical firm Eurolysine files EU complaint over cheap Chinese feed ingredient lysine – Reuters
Taiwan’s GDP growth forecast raised to 7.71% for 2026 – Focus Taiwan: ‘on the back of robust global demand for artificial intelligence applications and the removal of tariff uncertainties’
Taiwan's GDP growth forecast raised to 7.71% for 2026 - Focus Taiwan
Taiwan's government has raised its forecast for 2026 gross domestic product (GDP) growth to 7.71 percent on the back of robust global demand for artificial intelligence applications and the removal of...
focustaiwan.tw
February 13, 2026 at 2:00 PM
Taiwan’s GDP growth forecast raised to 7.71% for 2026 – Focus Taiwan: ‘on the back of robust global demand for artificial intelligence applications and the removal of tariff uncertainties’
China mulls US manufacturing fund ahead of Xi-Trump summit, business leader says – SCMP: ‘China and the US are likely to secure several “very positive” outcomes but not a “grand bargain” at their presidential summit in April, according to the board chief of a major American business lobby.’
China mulls US manufacturing fund ahead of Xi-Trump summit, business leader says
Leaders to secure ‘very positive’ outcomes but no ‘grand bargain’ during talks in Beijing, AmCham China chair predicts.
www.scmp.com
February 13, 2026 at 1:59 PM
China mulls US manufacturing fund ahead of Xi-Trump summit, business leader says – SCMP: ‘China and the US are likely to secure several “very positive” outcomes but not a “grand bargain” at their presidential summit in April, according to the board chief of a major American business lobby.’