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/
Get off my lawn! Far fewer young cadres are rising up into the ranks of the Central Committee – Youshu/China: ‘The situation for under-50s was ever grimmer. Xi chose ZERO of them to join him in the Central Committee at the 19th and 20th Congresses. Talk about a lack of succession planning.’
Get off my lawn!
Far fewer young cadres are rising up into the ranks of the Central Committee.
youshu.substack.com
February 11, 2026 at 12:45 PM
Get off my lawn! Far fewer young cadres are rising up into the ranks of the Central Committee – Youshu/China: ‘The situation for under-50s was ever grimmer. Xi chose ZERO of them to join him in the Central Committee at the 19th and 20th Congresses. Talk about a lack of succession planning.’
An army of lawyers is advancing. Taiwan is the target – Nathan Attrill and Shelly Shih for The ASPI Strategist: ‘The objective is not legal resolution but deterrence’
An army of lawyers is advancing. Taiwan is the target | The Strategist
China has built not only a military to coerce Taiwan, but an army of lawyers to intimidate and constrain it. In 2025, Beijing’s lawfare campaign shifted decisively from largely declaratory threats to ...
www.aspistrategist.org.au
February 11, 2026 at 12:43 PM
An army of lawyers is advancing. Taiwan is the target – Nathan Attrill and Shelly Shih for The ASPI Strategist: ‘The objective is not legal resolution but deterrence’
J. William DeMarco for War on the Rocks: ‘China’s recent actions point toward a theory of success that does […] on sustained pressure, ambiguity, and delay. Rather than seeking victory through destruction, Beijing appears increasingly focused on achieving political outcomes through paralysis’
Deterrence Won’t Fail in the Taiwan Strait — It Will Be Bypassed
On Dec. 29, 2025, Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defense reported one of the most intense single-day episodes of Chinese military activity in recent years.
warontherocks.com
February 11, 2026 at 12:39 PM
J. William DeMarco for War on the Rocks: ‘China’s recent actions point toward a theory of success that does […] on sustained pressure, ambiguity, and delay. Rather than seeking victory through destruction, Beijing appears increasingly focused on achieving political outcomes through paralysis’
Xi Jinping can never trust his own military – Deng Yuwen for Foreign Policy: ‘ Xi wants vice chairmen to be mere handlers, carrying out his instructions, plans, and requirements […]. But that’s not how people—or systems—work. The proxies end up asserting authority themselves’
Xi Jinping Can Never Trust His Own Military
China’s leader has created a system of permanent insecurity.
foreignpolicy.com
February 11, 2026 at 12:17 PM
Xi Jinping can never trust his own military – Deng Yuwen for Foreign Policy: ‘ Xi wants vice chairmen to be mere handlers, carrying out his instructions, plans, and requirements […]. But that’s not how people—or systems—work. The proxies end up asserting authority themselves’
Inside China’s rerouted supply chains – Hannah Pedone for The Diplomat: ‘New data released last week shows that over $8 billion of Chinese exports were rerouted through Vietnam to the United States in the first three quarters of 2025’
Inside China’s Rerouted Supply Chains
New data shows that Chinese exporters are increasingly transiting goods through lower-tariff trade partners. But is the practice legal?
thediplomat.com
February 11, 2026 at 12:14 PM
Inside China’s rerouted supply chains – Hannah Pedone for The Diplomat: ‘New data released last week shows that over $8 billion of Chinese exports were rerouted through Vietnam to the United States in the first three quarters of 2025’
The US$10 trillion fight: modelling a US-China war over Taiwan – Bloomberg: ‘In the most extreme case, a US-China conflict over Taiwan would cost the global economy […] roughly 9.6% of global gross domestic product, in the first year alone’
The $10 Trillion Fight: Modeling a US-China War Over Taiwan
The island at the center of the artificial intelligence boom—and increasingly the global economy—lies on geological and geopolitical fault lines. Taiwan, the producer of most of the world’s advanced s...
www.bloomberg.com
February 11, 2026 at 12:12 PM
The US$10 trillion fight: modelling a US-China war over Taiwan – Bloomberg: ‘In the most extreme case, a US-China conflict over Taiwan would cost the global economy […] roughly 9.6% of global gross domestic product, in the first year alone’
EUR 1.2 billion in counterfeit cash stopped in postal operation – Europol: ‘More than 90% of the seized counterfeit currency was linked to shipments originating from China, highlighting a major source of counterfeit cash entering Europe.’
EUR 1.2 billion in counterfeit cash stopped in postal operation – Most seizures linked to shipments from China | Europol
Law enforcement authorities from 18 countries have stopped an estimated EUR 1.2 billion in counterfeit banknotes and coins from entering circulation during Operation DECOY III, a Europol-coordinated a...
www.europol.europa.eu
February 11, 2026 at 12:04 PM
EUR 1.2 billion in counterfeit cash stopped in postal operation – Europol: ‘More than 90% of the seized counterfeit currency was linked to shipments originating from China, highlighting a major source of counterfeit cash entering Europe.’
After Volkswagen deal, Chinese EV makers eye EU tariff talks of their own – Reuters: ‘The European Commission this week approved a request by the German auto giant's Cupra brand to exempt the Tavascan SUV coupe from import tariffs in exchange for an agreed minimum price and a sales quota’
After Volkswagen deal, Chinese EV makers eye EU tariff talks of their own
Major Chinese automakers will be next to knock on Brussels' door after Volkswagen secured a breakthrough tariff reprieve for its China-made Cupra Tavascan SUV, multiple industry insiders and analysts ...
www.reuters.com
February 11, 2026 at 12:00 PM
After Volkswagen deal, Chinese EV makers eye EU tariff talks of their own – Reuters: ‘The European Commission this week approved a request by the German auto giant's Cupra brand to exempt the Tavascan SUV coupe from import tariffs in exchange for an agreed minimum price and a sales quota’
China’s foreign ministry accuses US of seeking to revive its nuclear test programme – SCMP: ‘rejected US claims that it conducted a nuclear test in 2020, saying the accusation is “an excuse”’
China accuses US of seeking to revive its nuclear test programme
Beijing says Washington is distorting China’s policy and trying to avoid its own disarmament responsibilities.
www.scmp.com
February 11, 2026 at 11:58 AM
China’s foreign ministry accuses US of seeking to revive its nuclear test programme – SCMP: ‘rejected US claims that it conducted a nuclear test in 2020, saying the accusation is “an excuse”’
Dutch court orders investigation into Nexperia, upholds previous decisions including Chinese CEO suspension – Reuters
Dutch court orders investigation into Nexperia, upholds previous decisions including Chinese CEO suspension
A Dutch court on Wednesday ordered an investigation into mismanagement at chipmaker Nexperia BV and upheld an October decision to suspend former CEO Zhang Xuezheng, the founder of Nexperia's Chinese p...
www.reuters.com
February 11, 2026 at 11:56 AM
Dutch court orders investigation into Nexperia, upholds previous decisions including Chinese CEO suspension – Reuters
Ondernemingskamer gelast onderzoek naar vermeend wanbeleid bij Nexperia – FD: „[De getroffen] maatregelen blijven, anders dan de advocaten van Wing hadden gehoopt, nog steeds van kracht.”
Ondernemingskamer gelast onderzoek naar vermeend wanbeleid bij Nexperia
De bedrijvenrechter wijst twee onderzoekers aan. Die moeten onder andere kijken naar mogelijke belangenverstrengeling van de Chinese ceo bij de chipmaker. De topman blijft geschorst.
fd.nl
February 11, 2026 at 11:55 AM
Ondernemingskamer gelast onderzoek naar vermeend wanbeleid bij Nexperia – FD: „[De getroffen] maatregelen blijven, anders dan de advocaten van Wing hadden gehoopt, nog steeds van kracht.”
International Maritime Organization (IMO) chief applauds China’s engagement in advancing maritime cooperation – Xinhua: ‘The IMO is the United Nations specialized agency with responsibility for the safety and security of shipping and the prevention of marine and atmospheric pollution by ships.’
IMO chief applauds China's engagement in advancing maritime cooperation
english.news.cn
February 11, 2026 at 11:16 AM
International Maritime Organization (IMO) chief applauds China’s engagement in advancing maritime cooperation – Xinhua: ‘The IMO is the United Nations specialized agency with responsibility for the safety and security of shipping and the prevention of marine and atmospheric pollution by ships.’
China conducts ignition, flight test on first launch pad for crewed lunar missions – Xinhua
China conducts ignition, flight test on first launch pad for crewed lunar missions
english.news.cn
February 11, 2026 at 11:14 AM
China conducts ignition, flight test on first launch pad for crewed lunar missions – Xinhua
Are liberal values a luxury the West cannot afford? – The Economist’s The Telegram: ‘When a Western liberal democracy becomes more repressive, it risks turning into the Hungary of Viktor Orban, or Mr Putin’s Russia.’
Are liberal values a luxury the West cannot afford?
Yes, China has impressive high-speed trains. That is no reason for the West to adopt iron-fisted rule
www.economist.com
February 11, 2026 at 11:09 AM
Are liberal values a luxury the West cannot afford? – The Economist’s The Telegram: ‘When a Western liberal democracy becomes more repressive, it risks turning into the Hungary of Viktor Orban, or Mr Putin’s Russia.’
Singapore PM Lawrence Wong will likely use his 2026 budget speech to position the nation as an artificial intelligence hub, a key facet of his government’s effort to diversify growth engines – Bloomberg: ‘Retraining and living costs for the rapidly aging population will also likely remain a focus.’
Singapore’s Premier Wong Preps Budget for Age of AI, Trade Rifts
Singapore Prime Minister Lawrence Wong will likely use his 2026 budget speech Thursday to position the nation as an artificial intelligence hub, a key facet of his government’s effort to diversify gro...
www.bloomberg.com
February 11, 2026 at 11:05 AM
Singapore PM Lawrence Wong will likely use his 2026 budget speech to position the nation as an artificial intelligence hub, a key facet of his government’s effort to diversify growth engines – Bloomberg: ‘Retraining and living costs for the rapidly aging population will also likely remain a focus.’
CapitaLand’s shares tumbled after the Singapore-based property asset manager posted a plunge in earnings, with valuation losses in one of its largest markets, China, continuing to weigh on its bottom line – Bloomberg: ‘office occupancy there falling to 80%’
China Woes Drive 70% Plunge in Singapore CapitaLand’s Profit
CapitaLand Investment Ltd.’s shares fell nearly 6% after the Singapore-based property asset manager posted a sharp drop in earnings, with valuation losses in one of its largest markets, China, still w...
www.bloomberg.com
February 11, 2026 at 11:03 AM
CapitaLand’s shares tumbled after the Singapore-based property asset manager posted a plunge in earnings, with valuation losses in one of its largest markets, China, continuing to weigh on its bottom line – Bloomberg: ‘office occupancy there falling to 80%’
China’s factory deflation eased more than expected in January, as downward pressure on prices moderates thanks to higher commodity costs and government efforts to rein in excessive competition among companies – Bloomberg: ‘remains in the grip of deflation that’s eating away at income and profits.’
China’s Factory Deflation Eases More Than Forecast at Year Start
China’s factory deflation eased more than expected in January thanks mostly to a global metals rally, even as weak demand at home restrains a more sustainable turnaround in prices.
www.bloomberg.com
February 11, 2026 at 11:02 AM
China’s factory deflation eased more than expected in January, as downward pressure on prices moderates thanks to higher commodity costs and government efforts to rein in excessive competition among companies – Bloomberg: ‘remains in the grip of deflation that’s eating away at income and profits.’
Chinese flotilla sailed to edge of Australia’s EEZ, ADF chief reveals at Senate estimates – ABC News: ‘in an exercise designed to “signal” China’s growing naval strength to the region.’
Chinese flotilla sailed to edge of Australia's exclusive economic zone, says chief
Under questioning in Senate estimates, the chief of the Australian Defence Force reveals that a Chinese flotilla sailed within seven nautical miles of Australia's 200 nautical mile exclusive economic ...
www.abc.net.au
February 11, 2026 at 11:00 AM
Chinese flotilla sailed to edge of Australia’s EEZ, ADF chief reveals at Senate estimates – ABC News: ‘in an exercise designed to “signal” China’s growing naval strength to the region.’
Taipei City signs NT$12.2 billion [€326m] Nvidia deal; groundbreaking set for June – Focus Taiwan
Taipei signs NT$12.2 billion Nvidia deal; groundbreaking set for June - Focus Taiwan
The Taipei City government on Wednesday signed a NT$12.2 billion (US$380 million) agreement with Nvidia for the T17 and T18 plots of land at Beitou-Shilin Technology Park, with Mayor Chiang Wan-an (蔣萬...
focustaiwan.tw
February 11, 2026 at 10:58 AM
Taipei City signs NT$12.2 billion [€326m] Nvidia deal; groundbreaking set for June – Focus Taiwan
Taiwan’s economic affairs ministry to send team to assess US rare earth deposits – Reuters: ‘with a goal to have such minerals refined on the island’
Taiwan to send team to assess US rare earth deposits
Taiwan plans to send officials to assess U.S. rare earths deposits with a goal to have such minerals refined on the island, Economy Minister Kung Ming-hsin said on Wednesday.
www.reuters.com
February 11, 2026 at 10:58 AM
Taiwan’s economic affairs ministry to send team to assess US rare earth deposits – Reuters: ‘with a goal to have such minerals refined on the island’
Taiwan opposition party TPP agrees to consider DPP government’s special defence budget in committee – AFP: ‘KMT chairwoman Cheng Li-wun, however, vowed on Feb 11 that her party “will not relent”.’
‘lawmakers will also consider the TPP’s stripped-down version of the defence Bill’
‘lawmakers will also consider the TPP’s stripped-down version of the defence Bill’
Taiwan opposition party agrees to consider defence Bill
The proposal was stalled for two months as opposition lawmakers refused to consider it. Read more at straitstimes.com. Read more at straitstimes.com.
www.straitstimes.com
February 11, 2026 at 10:57 AM
Taiwan opposition party TPP agrees to consider DPP government’s special defence budget in committee – AFP: ‘KMT chairwoman Cheng Li-wun, however, vowed on Feb 11 that her party “will not relent”.’
‘lawmakers will also consider the TPP’s stripped-down version of the defence Bill’
‘lawmakers will also consider the TPP’s stripped-down version of the defence Bill’
China’s Xi Jinping makes rare [oblique] public reference to recent military purges – Reuters: ‘“The past year has been unusual and extraordinary,” Xi told the military in a virtual address.’
China's Xi makes rare public reference to recent military purges
China's military has grown stronger in the past year in its fight against corruption, President Xi Jinping told the Chinese armed forces on Wednesday, making a rare public reference to the anti-graft ...
www.reuters.com
February 11, 2026 at 10:49 AM
China’s Xi Jinping makes rare [oblique] public reference to recent military purges – Reuters: ‘“The past year has been unusual and extraordinary,” Xi told the military in a virtual address.’
Cold shoulder? China and EU in diplomatic stand-off ahead of Munich showdown – SCMP: ‘Several sources described a deliberate slowing of high-level appointments with Chinese diplomats in the Belgian capital – an effort to reciprocate the lack of access EU diplomats receive in Beijing.’
Exclusive | Cold shoulder? China, EU in diplomatic stand-off ahead of Munich showdown
Annual security conference could provide rare venue for high-level EU-China talks as top diplomats Wang Yi and Kaja Kallas attend.
www.scmp.com
February 11, 2026 at 10:45 AM
Cold shoulder? China and EU in diplomatic stand-off ahead of Munich showdown – SCMP: ‘Several sources described a deliberate slowing of high-level appointments with Chinese diplomats in the Belgian capital – an effort to reciprocate the lack of access EU diplomats receive in Beijing.’
Reposted by Sense Hofstede
According the latest TPOF poll, Taiwan's governing party -the DPP-, President Lai and Premier Cho have all regained in past weeks the support they had lost in late Spring last year (when the U.S. imposed tariffs on Taiwanese goods, and a campaign for recall votes was at its peak in Taiwan).
February 11, 2026 at 10:26 AM
According the latest TPOF poll, Taiwan's governing party -the DPP-, President Lai and Premier Cho have all regained in past weeks the support they had lost in late Spring last year (when the U.S. imposed tariffs on Taiwanese goods, and a campaign for recall votes was at its peak in Taiwan).
Australian police charges two Chinese nationals with foreign interference – Reuters: ‘on grounds of covertly collecting information about a Buddhist group, on behalf of a Chinese government security agency.’
Australia charges two Chinese nationals with foreign interference
Two Chinese nationals are set to appear in court on Wednesday, after Australian police charged them with foreign interference on grounds of covertly collecting information about a Buddhist group, on b...
www.reuters.com
February 11, 2026 at 9:44 AM
Australian police charges two Chinese nationals with foreign interference – Reuters: ‘on grounds of covertly collecting information about a Buddhist group, on behalf of a Chinese government security agency.’