Finbarr Bermingham
@fbermingham.bsky.social
Senior Correspondent for Europe at the South China Morning Post.
Tracking the shifting tectonic plates of global trade and geopolitics.
All posts should be heard in a Fermanagh accent.
Tracking the shifting tectonic plates of global trade and geopolitics.
All posts should be heard in a Fermanagh accent.
An honour to experience one of Ireland's great cultural sites.
As classy as I expected.
As classy as I expected.
November 29, 2025 at 6:14 PM
An honour to experience one of Ireland's great cultural sites.
As classy as I expected.
As classy as I expected.
Brighton in hot water in China
"Chinese fans vehemently criticized the club for glorifying a war criminal Onoda, who refused to surrender even after Japan’s defeat, hiding in the Philippine jungle for 30 yrs"
Late entry to @ninedragons.bsky.social Nov quarrel thread
www.chosun.com/english/spor...
"Chinese fans vehemently criticized the club for glorifying a war criminal Onoda, who refused to surrender even after Japan’s defeat, hiding in the Philippine jungle for 30 yrs"
Late entry to @ninedragons.bsky.social Nov quarrel thread
www.chosun.com/english/spor...
November 29, 2025 at 8:13 AM
Brighton in hot water in China
"Chinese fans vehemently criticized the club for glorifying a war criminal Onoda, who refused to surrender even after Japan’s defeat, hiding in the Philippine jungle for 30 yrs"
Late entry to @ninedragons.bsky.social Nov quarrel thread
www.chosun.com/english/spor...
"Chinese fans vehemently criticized the club for glorifying a war criminal Onoda, who refused to surrender even after Japan’s defeat, hiding in the Philippine jungle for 30 yrs"
Late entry to @ninedragons.bsky.social Nov quarrel thread
www.chosun.com/english/spor...
Nexperia NL sent an open letter to Nexperia China
Says the Chinese arm is ghosting it. Urges cooperation to "restore predictable, established supply flows without delay"
Next step: restore joint corporate governance "adhering to lawful instructions from Nexperia BV global mgmt"
Says the Chinese arm is ghosting it. Urges cooperation to "restore predictable, established supply flows without delay"
Next step: restore joint corporate governance "adhering to lawful instructions from Nexperia BV global mgmt"
November 27, 2025 at 9:20 PM
Nexperia NL sent an open letter to Nexperia China
Says the Chinese arm is ghosting it. Urges cooperation to "restore predictable, established supply flows without delay"
Next step: restore joint corporate governance "adhering to lawful instructions from Nexperia BV global mgmt"
Says the Chinese arm is ghosting it. Urges cooperation to "restore predictable, established supply flows without delay"
Next step: restore joint corporate governance "adhering to lawful instructions from Nexperia BV global mgmt"
36 dead, 279 missing in huge Hong Kong fire; 3 arrested for alleged manslaughter
Horrible. SCMP masthead has been greyed out - such tragic news.
Horrible. SCMP masthead has been greyed out - such tragic news.
November 26, 2025 at 10:13 PM
36 dead, 279 missing in huge Hong Kong fire; 3 arrested for alleged manslaughter
Horrible. SCMP masthead has been greyed out - such tragic news.
Horrible. SCMP masthead has been greyed out - such tragic news.
German FM Wadephul just gave a 25-min speech in Berlin outlining foreign policy priorities
Mentioned "dangerous dependencies", courting India & Japan, challenge of superpower rivalry
But a glaring absence of China - he only mentioned it in passing - "a more confident China"
Mentioned "dangerous dependencies", courting India & Japan, challenge of superpower rivalry
But a glaring absence of China - he only mentioned it in passing - "a more confident China"
November 25, 2025 at 8:54 AM
German FM Wadephul just gave a 25-min speech in Berlin outlining foreign policy priorities
Mentioned "dangerous dependencies", courting India & Japan, challenge of superpower rivalry
But a glaring absence of China - he only mentioned it in passing - "a more confident China"
Mentioned "dangerous dependencies", courting India & Japan, challenge of superpower rivalry
But a glaring absence of China - he only mentioned it in passing - "a more confident China"
A quarter, 24 per cent, of respondents said Germany should provide military support for Taiwan, down from 31 per cent in 2024.
Surprisingly, however, the idea was more popular than providing military support for Israel, at just 15 per cent.
Surprisingly, however, the idea was more popular than providing military support for Israel, at just 15 per cent.
November 25, 2025 at 6:34 AM
A quarter, 24 per cent, of respondents said Germany should provide military support for Taiwan, down from 31 per cent in 2024.
Surprisingly, however, the idea was more popular than providing military support for Israel, at just 15 per cent.
Surprisingly, however, the idea was more popular than providing military support for Israel, at just 15 per cent.
The survey showed France overtaking the US as Germany’s most important partner.
On China, meanwhile, German views appear to have softened slightly since a year ago, even as the bilateral relationship hits the skids.
On China, meanwhile, German views appear to have softened slightly since a year ago, even as the bilateral relationship hits the skids.
November 25, 2025 at 6:33 AM
The survey showed France overtaking the US as Germany’s most important partner.
On China, meanwhile, German views appear to have softened slightly since a year ago, even as the bilateral relationship hits the skids.
On China, meanwhile, German views appear to have softened slightly since a year ago, even as the bilateral relationship hits the skids.
Still, there is little appetite for the sort of acquiescence that has characterised this year in EU policy towards Washington. Almost three-quarters, 73 per cent, of those polled said the bloc was too cautious in its approach to Trump.
November 25, 2025 at 6:33 AM
Still, there is little appetite for the sort of acquiescence that has characterised this year in EU policy towards Washington. Almost three-quarters, 73 per cent, of those polled said the bloc was too cautious in its approach to Trump.
Confirming the growing transatlantic schism on Ukraine, just 38 per cent of respondents to the Koerber Stiftung’s annual Berlin Pulse survey said the US was a partner on the matter, down from 70 per cent in 2024.
November 25, 2025 at 6:33 AM
Confirming the growing transatlantic schism on Ukraine, just 38 per cent of respondents to the Koerber Stiftung’s annual Berlin Pulse survey said the US was a partner on the matter, down from 70 per cent in 2024.
While the poll showed about one-third of Germans were concerned about the rising influence of China in the world, 80 per cent of respondents expressed concern about China’s economic threat, even if they did not believe the US was a reliable partner to address it.
November 25, 2025 at 6:32 AM
While the poll showed about one-third of Germans were concerned about the rising influence of China in the world, 80 per cent of respondents expressed concern about China’s economic threat, even if they did not believe the US was a reliable partner to address it.
The survey, by the Koerber Stiftung in Berlin, showed wariness towards the US under President Donald Trump, with 73 per cent of those polled saying the relationship was in a poor state, compared to 74 per cent who said it was good a year prior.
November 25, 2025 at 6:32 AM
The survey, by the Koerber Stiftung in Berlin, showed wariness towards the US under President Donald Trump, with 73 per cent of those polled saying the relationship was in a poor state, compared to 74 per cent who said it was good a year prior.
This is despite growing cynicism towards Washington in the EU’s most powerful member state, Germany. New polling published on Tuesday showed just 31 per cent of Germans saw the US as a partner on dealing with China, down from 49 per cent a year earlier.
November 25, 2025 at 6:32 AM
This is despite growing cynicism towards Washington in the EU’s most powerful member state, Germany. New polling published on Tuesday showed just 31 per cent of Germans saw the US as a partner on dealing with China, down from 49 per cent a year earlier.
Readout, run through a machine translation
November 24, 2025 at 3:02 PM
Readout, run through a machine translation
Lutnick paints changing EU digital rules as good for Europe, but clearly a US demand
"Our suggestion is EU deeply consider analysing digital rules, come away with a balanced approach that works with us. If they can come up with that, we'll together handle the steel & aluminium"
"Our suggestion is EU deeply consider analysing digital rules, come away with a balanced approach that works with us. If they can come up with that, we'll together handle the steel & aluminium"
November 24, 2025 at 2:47 PM
Lutnick paints changing EU digital rules as good for Europe, but clearly a US demand
"Our suggestion is EU deeply consider analysing digital rules, come away with a balanced approach that works with us. If they can come up with that, we'll together handle the steel & aluminium"
"Our suggestion is EU deeply consider analysing digital rules, come away with a balanced approach that works with us. If they can come up with that, we'll together handle the steel & aluminium"
Speaking in Luanda, Donald Tusk puts Europe's plight in plain terms
"The matter is delicate, because nobody wants to discourage the Americans and President Trump from ensuring the US remains on our side in this process. As you can see, it’s not that simple or straightforward"
"The matter is delicate, because nobody wants to discourage the Americans and President Trump from ensuring the US remains on our side in this process. As you can see, it’s not that simple or straightforward"
November 24, 2025 at 1:22 PM
Speaking in Luanda, Donald Tusk puts Europe's plight in plain terms
"The matter is delicate, because nobody wants to discourage the Americans and President Trump from ensuring the US remains on our side in this process. As you can see, it’s not that simple or straightforward"
"The matter is delicate, because nobody wants to discourage the Americans and President Trump from ensuring the US remains on our side in this process. As you can see, it’s not that simple or straightforward"
Sefcovic: US share of EU LNG imports up from 40% to 65% as evidence it is delivering on Turnberry. Talks continue on buying $40bn in AI chips.
"We want to discuss how to take on global overcapacity and all the elements linked with economic security including critical minerals"
"We want to discuss how to take on global overcapacity and all the elements linked with economic security including critical minerals"
November 24, 2025 at 10:36 AM
Sefcovic: US share of EU LNG imports up from 40% to 65% as evidence it is delivering on Turnberry. Talks continue on buying $40bn in AI chips.
"We want to discuss how to take on global overcapacity and all the elements linked with economic security including critical minerals"
"We want to discuss how to take on global overcapacity and all the elements linked with economic security including critical minerals"
Danish FM Rasmussen talks up the honour of hosting Greer and Lutnick
"It's also a great opportunity to discuss problems we have in common, such as the global trading system, China etc… I'm really looking forward to that..."
"It's also a great opportunity to discuss problems we have in common, such as the global trading system, China etc… I'm really looking forward to that..."
November 24, 2025 at 10:35 AM
Danish FM Rasmussen talks up the honour of hosting Greer and Lutnick
"It's also a great opportunity to discuss problems we have in common, such as the global trading system, China etc… I'm really looking forward to that..."
"It's also a great opportunity to discuss problems we have in common, such as the global trading system, China etc… I'm really looking forward to that..."
Lithuania's FM Budrys as always goes hard on China, not so much on the US
"Really looking forward to discussing our agenda of cooperation, the transatlantic agenda of economic security. That is something we have with to work on and build right now."
"Really looking forward to discussing our agenda of cooperation, the transatlantic agenda of economic security. That is something we have with to work on and build right now."
November 24, 2025 at 10:35 AM
Lithuania's FM Budrys as always goes hard on China, not so much on the US
"Really looking forward to discussing our agenda of cooperation, the transatlantic agenda of economic security. That is something we have with to work on and build right now."
"Really looking forward to discussing our agenda of cooperation, the transatlantic agenda of economic security. That is something we have with to work on and build right now."
EU trade council in Brussels today. Greer & Lutnick also in attendance. It's clear ministers are still using China as a carrot to keep US interested
Poland's Baranowski:
"We'll also talk about bigger picture... challenges of overproduction coming from third countries again"
Poland's Baranowski:
"We'll also talk about bigger picture... challenges of overproduction coming from third countries again"
November 24, 2025 at 10:35 AM
EU trade council in Brussels today. Greer & Lutnick also in attendance. It's clear ministers are still using China as a carrot to keep US interested
Poland's Baranowski:
"We'll also talk about bigger picture... challenges of overproduction coming from third countries again"
Poland's Baranowski:
"We'll also talk about bigger picture... challenges of overproduction coming from third countries again"
Ex Lithuanian foreign minister Gabrielius Landsbergis
"If you're a European leader asking your team to book you the next flight to Washington to go talk to Daddy, please don’t
Not without a plan, not cap in hand, not humiliating us all in front of cameras at the Oval office"
"If you're a European leader asking your team to book you the next flight to Washington to go talk to Daddy, please don’t
Not without a plan, not cap in hand, not humiliating us all in front of cameras at the Oval office"
November 21, 2025 at 9:52 PM
Ex Lithuanian foreign minister Gabrielius Landsbergis
"If you're a European leader asking your team to book you the next flight to Washington to go talk to Daddy, please don’t
Not without a plan, not cap in hand, not humiliating us all in front of cameras at the Oval office"
"If you're a European leader asking your team to book you the next flight to Washington to go talk to Daddy, please don’t
Not without a plan, not cap in hand, not humiliating us all in front of cameras at the Oval office"
is this the worst news alert ever?
November 21, 2025 at 10:52 AM
is this the worst news alert ever?
Kaja Kallas didn't hold back on China & Russia in opening remarks of the Indo Pacific Forum in Brussels
"China and Russia are working together to overhaul the global economic and security order. That is certainly of interest to all of us here," she told reps from 64 countries
"China and Russia are working together to overhaul the global economic and security order. That is certainly of interest to all of us here," she told reps from 64 countries
November 21, 2025 at 10:27 AM
Kaja Kallas didn't hold back on China & Russia in opening remarks of the Indo Pacific Forum in Brussels
"China and Russia are working together to overhaul the global economic and security order. That is certainly of interest to all of us here," she told reps from 64 countries
"China and Russia are working together to overhaul the global economic and security order. That is certainly of interest to all of us here," she told reps from 64 countries
EU trade enforcement chief Dennis Redonnet says government intervention is required to create this demand
"It requires certain government intervention in the economy most of the time, because the markets are distorted. They're distorted by, in some cases, predatory practices."
"It requires certain government intervention in the economy most of the time, because the markets are distorted. They're distorted by, in some cases, predatory practices."
November 20, 2025 at 2:11 PM
EU trade enforcement chief Dennis Redonnet says government intervention is required to create this demand
"It requires certain government intervention in the economy most of the time, because the markets are distorted. They're distorted by, in some cases, predatory practices."
"It requires certain government intervention in the economy most of the time, because the markets are distorted. They're distorted by, in some cases, predatory practices."
Some cautionary words from Kozo Saiki from Japan's trade ministry, at the EU's trade policy day
He says Tokyo prepared a subsidy programme for firms to process rare earths domestically but "very few applied" because they "can't compete with cheap products" from China
He says Tokyo prepared a subsidy programme for firms to process rare earths domestically but "very few applied" because they "can't compete with cheap products" from China
November 20, 2025 at 2:11 PM
Some cautionary words from Kozo Saiki from Japan's trade ministry, at the EU's trade policy day
He says Tokyo prepared a subsidy programme for firms to process rare earths domestically but "very few applied" because they "can't compete with cheap products" from China
He says Tokyo prepared a subsidy programme for firms to process rare earths domestically but "very few applied" because they "can't compete with cheap products" from China
Beijing now discussing Nexperia with the UK
Call between Wang Wentao and UK Biz Sec Kyle "at the latter's request" where they "exchanged in-depth views on the Nexperia semiconductor issue."
Mostly a rehash of yesterday's MOFCOM statement
Call between Wang Wentao and UK Biz Sec Kyle "at the latter's request" where they "exchanged in-depth views on the Nexperia semiconductor issue."
Mostly a rehash of yesterday's MOFCOM statement
November 20, 2025 at 1:34 PM
Beijing now discussing Nexperia with the UK
Call between Wang Wentao and UK Biz Sec Kyle "at the latter's request" where they "exchanged in-depth views on the Nexperia semiconductor issue."
Mostly a rehash of yesterday's MOFCOM statement
Call between Wang Wentao and UK Biz Sec Kyle "at the latter's request" where they "exchanged in-depth views on the Nexperia semiconductor issue."
Mostly a rehash of yesterday's MOFCOM statement