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/
Japanese government to strengthen Free and Open Indo-Pacific Strategy amid ‘new challenges’ – The Japan Times: ‘would include plans to diversify supply chains for critical minerals, promoting joint development of artificial intelligence and incorporating cooperation via Japan’s military aid program’
Japan to strengthen Indo-Pacific strategy amid ‘new challenges’
Updates to the FOIP strategy will include sections focused on bolstering economic security and working on emerging technologies with “like-minded” partners.
www.japantimes.co.jp
February 16, 2026 at 9:29 AM
Japanese government to strengthen Free and Open Indo-Pacific Strategy amid ‘new challenges’ – The Japan Times: ‘would include plans to diversify supply chains for critical minerals, promoting joint development of artificial intelligence and incorporating cooperation via Japan’s military aid program’
Country Garden winding-up case dismissed, clearing restructuring path – Nikkei Asia: ‘The end of the case follows Country Garden’s finalized offshore debt restructuring plan’
Country Garden winding-up case dismissed, clearing restructuring path
Hong Kong company Kingboard had petitioned against developer over unpaid loan
asia.nikkei.com
February 16, 2026 at 9:27 AM
Country Garden winding-up case dismissed, clearing restructuring path – Nikkei Asia: ‘The end of the case follows Country Garden’s finalized offshore debt restructuring plan’
‘Romeo C. jarenlang spil bij witwassen via China’: drie jaar cel geëist tegen ex-international – Parool: „vermoeden […] dat er contant misdaadgeld vanuit Nederland naar China werd gebracht” „Zijn voorlaatste club, het Chinese Zhejiang Yiteng, speelt in de huidige verdenkingen een belangrijke rol.”
‘Romeo C. jarenlang spil bij witwassen via China’: drie jaar cel geëist tegen ex-international
Oud-voetballer Romeo C. zou voor miljoenen aan misdaadgeld hebben witgewassen via een Chinese voetbalclub. Dat zegt justitie over de voormalige Oranje-international, die in 2019 op Schiphol werd betra...
www.parool.nl
February 16, 2026 at 9:22 AM
‘Romeo C. jarenlang spil bij witwassen via China’: drie jaar cel geëist tegen ex-international – Parool: „vermoeden […] dat er contant misdaadgeld vanuit Nederland naar China werd gebracht” „Zijn voorlaatste club, het Chinese Zhejiang Yiteng, speelt in de huidige verdenkingen een belangrijke rol.”
Louis Vuitton fined in the Netherlands for money laundering tied to Chinese suspect – Caixin Global: ‘The case stems from a scheme involving a Chinese woman accused of laundering illicit funds through the resale of luxury handbags.’
Louis Vuitton Fined in Netherlands for Money Laundering Tied to Chinese Suspect
The luxury brand's Dutch arm faces a 500,000-euro penalty after failing to detect suspicious cash transactions linked to a Chinese national allegedly laundering over 2 million euros
www.caixinglobal.com
February 16, 2026 at 9:21 AM
Louis Vuitton fined in the Netherlands for money laundering tied to Chinese suspect – Caixin Global: ‘The case stems from a scheme involving a Chinese woman accused of laundering illicit funds through the resale of luxury handbags.’
Taiwan’s Legislature to prioritise special defence budget in legal review, Legislative Speaker Han Kuo-yu (KMT) says – Focus Taiwan: ‘The special defense budget and related proposals will be the “very first” items to be reviewed in the new session, which is set to begin in late February’
Taiwan to prioritize special defense budget in legal review: Legislative Speaker - Focus Taiwan
Taiwan's Legislature will place the NT$1.25 trillion special defense budget as its first item for review when the new session begins after the Lunar New Year holiday, Legislative Speaker Han Kuo-yu (韓...
focustaiwan.tw
February 16, 2026 at 9:21 AM
Taiwan’s Legislature to prioritise special defence budget in legal review, Legislative Speaker Han Kuo-yu (KMT) says – Focus Taiwan: ‘The special defense budget and related proposals will be the “very first” items to be reviewed in the new session, which is set to begin in late February’
Singapore’s harmony must be actively renewed, says PM Wong in Chinese New Year message – The Straits Times
Singapore’s harmony must be actively renewed, says PM Wong in Chinese New Year message
Prime Minister Lawrence Wong emphasises the need to actively renew Singapore's harmony, highlighting its multicultural beauty and inter-generational responsibility. Read more at straitstimes.com. Read...
www.straitstimes.com
February 15, 2026 at 8:21 PM
Singapore’s harmony must be actively renewed, says PM Wong in Chinese New Year message – The Straits Times
As transatlantic divorce plays out in Munich, China enjoys the silence – SCMP: ‘ the event’s CEO Benedikt Franke praised the [CCP United Front-linked] China Centre for Globalisation […] for “coming here even when times weren’t rosy and when criticism of China was very direct and harsh”’
As transatlantic divorce plays out in Munich, China enjoys the silence
For long, China was a magnet for America’s rhetorical aggression. Now, it is the Europeans who are under fire.
www.scmp.com
February 15, 2026 at 4:38 PM
As transatlantic divorce plays out in Munich, China enjoys the silence – SCMP: ‘ the event’s CEO Benedikt Franke praised the [CCP United Front-linked] China Centre for Globalisation […] for “coming here even when times weren’t rosy and when criticism of China was very direct and harsh”’
As one door closes, another opens: Chinese migrants crossing the Balkans – Balkan Insight: ‘Driven by economic hardship and political discontent, a growing number of Chinese nationals are trying to reach the EU via the Balkans, their route to the United States made more difficult’
As One Door Closes, Another Opens: Chinese Migrants Crossing the Balkans
Their chances of settling in the United States increasingly bleak, a growing number of Chinese nationals are travelling visa-free to Serbia or Bosnia and Herzegovina and crossing into the European Uni...
balkaninsight.com
February 15, 2026 at 11:58 AM
As one door closes, another opens: Chinese migrants crossing the Balkans – Balkan Insight: ‘Driven by economic hardship and political discontent, a growing number of Chinese nationals are trying to reach the EU via the Balkans, their route to the United States made more difficult’
‘The best we can hope for’: Rubio’s Munich unity appeal fails to woo Europe – FT: ‘While Rubio’s tone was politer than the diatribe delivered by US vice-president JD Vance on the same stage the previous year […] the substance of the US message was little changed.’
‘The best we can hope for’: Rubio’s Munich unity appeal fails to woo Europe
US secretary of state sought to mollify but underlying message reinforced US administration’s talking points
www.ft.com
February 15, 2026 at 11:39 AM
‘The best we can hope for’: Rubio’s Munich unity appeal fails to woo Europe – FT: ‘While Rubio’s tone was politer than the diatribe delivered by US vice-president JD Vance on the same stage the previous year […] the substance of the US message was little changed.’
Is there any other way to read this than a declaration of Chinese support for anti-democratic tendencies in Serbia?
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 15, 2026 at 11:35 AM
Is there any other way to read this than a declaration of Chinese support for anti-democratic tendencies in Serbia?
Chinese FM Wang calls for bringing China-Czech relations back to healthy track – Xinhua: ‘Wang said that while the two countries enjoy a tradition of friendship, bilateral ties have experienced twists and turns in recent years, which serves the interests of neither side.’
Chinese FM calls for bringing China-Czech relations back to healthy track
english.news.cn
February 15, 2026 at 11:34 AM
Chinese FM Wang calls for bringing China-Czech relations back to healthy track – Xinhua: ‘Wang said that while the two countries enjoy a tradition of friendship, bilateral ties have experienced twists and turns in recent years, which serves the interests of neither side.’
Xi Jinping’s article on key tasks of China’s current economic work to be published – Xinhua: ‘Drawing from a speech delivered by Xi at the Central Economic Work Conference last December, the article highlights that domestic demand will remain a focus in building a robust domestic market.’
Xi's article on key tasks of China's current economic work to be published
english.news.cn
February 15, 2026 at 11:29 AM
Xi Jinping’s article on key tasks of China’s current economic work to be published – Xinhua: ‘Drawing from a speech delivered by Xi at the Central Economic Work Conference last December, the article highlights that domestic demand will remain a focus in building a robust domestic market.’
China’s finance ministry will waive import value‑added taxes between 2026 and 2030 on selected seeds, genetic resources and police dogs to boost agricultural competitiveness and breeding capacity – Bloomberg
China Waives Import Tax on Some Agricultural Seeds Through 2030
China will waive import value‑added taxes between 2026 and 2030 on selected seeds, genetic resources and police dogs to boost agricultural competitiveness and breeding capacity.
www.bloomberg.com
February 15, 2026 at 11:26 AM
China’s finance ministry will waive import value‑added taxes between 2026 and 2030 on selected seeds, genetic resources and police dogs to boost agricultural competitiveness and breeding capacity – Bloomberg
Japanese research vessel returns to port after collecting rare earth mud – Kyodo News: ‘as part of a study on the feasibility of extracting critical minerals from the seabed.’
Japan research vessel returns to port after collecting rare earth mud
A Japanese research vessel returned to a port in central Japan on Saturday after collecting mud containing rare earth elements as part of a study on the feasibility of extracting critical minerals fro...
english.kyodonews.net
February 15, 2026 at 11:24 AM
Japanese research vessel returns to port after collecting rare earth mud – Kyodo News: ‘as part of a study on the feasibility of extracting critical minerals from the seabed.’
Trump and Netanyahu agree to increase pressure on Iranian oil – Axios: ‘mostly when it comes to oil sales to China’
Trump and Netanyahu agree to increase pressure on Iranian oil
This could change Iran's calculus and push it to make more concessions regarding its nuclear program.
www.axios.com
February 15, 2026 at 11:24 AM
Trump and Netanyahu agree to increase pressure on Iranian oil – Axios: ‘mostly when it comes to oil sales to China’
Taiwan’s President Lai vows to strengthen island’s defences in Lunar New Year message – Reuters: ‘recorded at one of Taiwan’s most important military radar stations in the central mountain range which he visited earlier this month’
Taiwan president vows to strengthen island's defences in Lunar New Year message
Taiwan will strengthen its defence efforts and safeguard the island's security in the year ahead, President Lai Ching-te said in his Lunar New Year message released on Sunday.
www.reuters.com
February 15, 2026 at 11:22 AM
Taiwan’s President Lai vows to strengthen island’s defences in Lunar New Year message – Reuters: ‘recorded at one of Taiwan’s most important military radar stations in the central mountain range which he visited earlier this month’
Deep in China’s mountains, a nuclear revival takes shape – The New York Times: ‘China’s buildup complicates efforts to revive global arms controls after the expiration of the final remaining nuclear arms treaty between the United States and Russia.’
Deep in China’s Mountains, a Nuclear Revival Takes Shape
Satellite imagery of secretive nuclear facilities reveals Beijing’s efforts to expand its arsenal, just as the last global guardrails on nuclear weapons vanish.
www.nytimes.com
February 15, 2026 at 11:21 AM
Deep in China’s mountains, a nuclear revival takes shape – The New York Times: ‘China’s buildup complicates efforts to revive global arms controls after the expiration of the final remaining nuclear arms treaty between the United States and Russia.’
Chinese authorities expand oversight of major banks amid property sector risks – SCMP: ‘expanded its list of domestic systemically important banks (D-SIBs) – institutions subject to tighter regulatory standards’
China puts another big bank under stricter watch – why now?
Beijing continues to impose stricter regulatory standards on major lenders, shielding the financial system from mounting strains.
www.scmp.com
February 15, 2026 at 11:12 AM
Chinese authorities expand oversight of major banks amid property sector risks – SCMP: ‘expanded its list of domestic systemically important banks (D-SIBs) – institutions subject to tighter regulatory standards’
Japanese women’s videos plagiarised and reposted with false subtitles claiming ‘Ryukyu belongs to China’; anti-China false information also posted in Japan – The Yomiuri Shimbun
Videos Plagiarized, Reposted with False Subtitles Claiming ‘Ryukyu Belongs to China’; Anti-China False Information Also Posted in Japan
<p>Online videos of Japanese women have been plagiarized and reposted on social media with false Chinese subtitles claiming “Ryukyu (Okinawa Prefecture) belongs to China.”</p>
japannews.yomiuri.co.jp
February 15, 2026 at 11:08 AM
Japanese women’s videos plagiarised and reposted with false subtitles claiming ‘Ryukyu belongs to China’; anti-China false information also posted in Japan – The Yomiuri Shimbun
Reposted by Sense Hofstede
It’s telling what the White House highlights with regard to Rubio’s speech. „Shared heritage“, „Christian foundations“, „cultural legacy“, „cultural preservation“, and a rejection of globalism. That‘s at the heart of its understanding of „Western civilization“.
February 15, 2026 at 8:16 AM
It’s telling what the White House highlights with regard to Rubio’s speech. „Shared heritage“, „Christian foundations“, „cultural legacy“, „cultural preservation“, and a rejection of globalism. That‘s at the heart of its understanding of „Western civilization“.
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.’