Showing posts with label China. Show all posts
Showing posts with label China. Show all posts
Sunday, March 01, 2026
Jeffrey Sachs: “US Will Fail” in Iran War | Israel a Terror State? | Russia & China’s Next Move
Saturday, February 28, 2026
Iran: Russland warnt vor „Ausbruch des Dritten Weltkriegs“
BERLINER ZEITUNG: Moskau fordert Krisensitzung des UN-Sicherheitsrat und warnt vor einem Flächenbrand in der Region. Auch China und die Türkei sehen diese Gefahr.
Russland forderte ein sofortiges Ende der US-amerikanischen und israelischen Angriffe auf den Iran und erklärte, die Situation müsse „auf den Weg einer politischen und diplomatischen Lösung zurückgeführt werden“. In einer Stellungnahme erklärte das russische Außenministerium laut Al Jazeera, die internationale Gemeinschaft müsse rasch eine objektive Bewertung der aus seiner Sicht unverantwortlichen Aktionen abgeben, die die Region weiter destabilisieren könnten. Russland sei weiterhin bereit, wie bisher die Bemühungen um friedliche Lösungen auf der Grundlage des Völkerrechts, gegenseitigen Respekts und eines ausgewogenen Interessenausgleichs zu unterstützen. » | Michael Maier | Samstag, 28. Februar 2026
Russland forderte ein sofortiges Ende der US-amerikanischen und israelischen Angriffe auf den Iran und erklärte, die Situation müsse „auf den Weg einer politischen und diplomatischen Lösung zurückgeführt werden“. In einer Stellungnahme erklärte das russische Außenministerium laut Al Jazeera, die internationale Gemeinschaft müsse rasch eine objektive Bewertung der aus seiner Sicht unverantwortlichen Aktionen abgeben, die die Region weiter destabilisieren könnten. Russland sei weiterhin bereit, wie bisher die Bemühungen um friedliche Lösungen auf der Grundlage des Völkerrechts, gegenseitigen Respekts und eines ausgewogenen Interessenausgleichs zu unterstützen. » | Michael Maier | Samstag, 28. Februar 2026
Friday, February 27, 2026
The Moment the World Lost Trust in America
Wednesday, February 25, 2026
Germany’s Leader Delivers a Blunt Warning to China on Trade
THE NEW YORK TIMES: Chancellor Friedrich Merz laid out his complaints in a frank message to his hosts on a trip to Beijing that China had designed to showcase their relationship.
Chancellor Friedrich Merz of Germany arrived in China on Wednesday with an outstretched hand and a list of complaints for his hosts, asking for closer diplomatic ties but also relief from economic policies that he said were impeding “fair competition.”
Mr. Merz, who took pains before the trip to say he would not be “lecturing” Beijing, laid out his critiques in a speech at a meeting of the Advisory Council of German-Chinese Business, to an audience that included Premier Li Qiang, China’s second-highest ranking official.
The chancellor was more blunt and more specific in his criticism than other western leaders, including the prime ministers of Britain and Canada, who have recently trekked to Beijing to reset relations with China amid the turmoil caused by President Trump.
Mr. Merz called on China to reduce subsidies for its domestic manufacturers, to allow the value of its currency, the renminbi, to strengthen, and to ensure continued exports of raw materials, such as critical minerals — all of which would benefit German industry. Doing so, he said, would allow Germany and China to forge a tighter bond.
“In view of the uncertainties caused by customs policy that we see around the world,” Mr. Merz said, addressing Mr. Li directly, “we can now set a different example in our bilateral relations, through the reliability and security of the economic relations between our two countries.” » | David Pierson and Jim Tankersley | David Pierson reported from Hong Kong, and Jim Tankersley from Berlin. | Wednesday, February 25, 2026
Chancellor Friedrich Merz of Germany arrived in China on Wednesday with an outstretched hand and a list of complaints for his hosts, asking for closer diplomatic ties but also relief from economic policies that he said were impeding “fair competition.”
Mr. Merz, who took pains before the trip to say he would not be “lecturing” Beijing, laid out his critiques in a speech at a meeting of the Advisory Council of German-Chinese Business, to an audience that included Premier Li Qiang, China’s second-highest ranking official.
The chancellor was more blunt and more specific in his criticism than other western leaders, including the prime ministers of Britain and Canada, who have recently trekked to Beijing to reset relations with China amid the turmoil caused by President Trump.
Mr. Merz called on China to reduce subsidies for its domestic manufacturers, to allow the value of its currency, the renminbi, to strengthen, and to ensure continued exports of raw materials, such as critical minerals — all of which would benefit German industry. Doing so, he said, would allow Germany and China to forge a tighter bond.
“In view of the uncertainties caused by customs policy that we see around the world,” Mr. Merz said, addressing Mr. Li directly, “we can now set a different example in our bilateral relations, through the reliability and security of the economic relations between our two countries.” » | David Pierson and Jim Tankersley | David Pierson reported from Hong Kong, and Jim Tankersley from Berlin. | Wednesday, February 25, 2026
Monday, February 23, 2026
Lindsey Graham Berated Denmark’s Prime Minister (w/ Frank Dikötter) | Shield of the Republic
Friday, February 20, 2026
China sendet Glückwünsche: Nordkorea erlebt seltenen Kongress der Staatspartei
BERLINER ZEITUNG: Auf dem Parteitag in Pjöngjang betont Nordkoreas Machthaber wirtschaftliche Ziele. Die Volksrepublik China sieht eine „neue historische Periode“ der engen Beziehungen zwischen beiden Ländern.
In Nordkoreas Hauptstadt Pjöngjang tagt seit Donnerstag der neunte Kongress der regierenden Partei der Arbeit Koreas. Es ist das erste Treffen dieser Art seit fünf Jahren. Der Parteitag soll über mehrere Tage grundlegende politische Leitlinien in den Bereichen Verteidigung, Diplomatie und Wirtschaft festlegen.
China reagierte umgehend mit einem Gratulationsschreiben des Zentralkomitees der Kommunistischen Partei. Darin beglückwünscht Peking der Arbeiterpartei Koreas dazu, die nordkoreanische Wirtschaft entwickelt und die Lebensbedingungen der Bevölkerung verbessert zu haben und wünscht dem Volk des Nachbarlandes „anhaltenden Erfolg beim sozialistischen Aufbau“, wie die staatliche Nachrichtenagentur Xinhua berichtete. » | Peter Steiniger | Freitah, 20. Februar 2026
In Nordkoreas Hauptstadt Pjöngjang tagt seit Donnerstag der neunte Kongress der regierenden Partei der Arbeit Koreas. Es ist das erste Treffen dieser Art seit fünf Jahren. Der Parteitag soll über mehrere Tage grundlegende politische Leitlinien in den Bereichen Verteidigung, Diplomatie und Wirtschaft festlegen.
China reagierte umgehend mit einem Gratulationsschreiben des Zentralkomitees der Kommunistischen Partei. Darin beglückwünscht Peking der Arbeiterpartei Koreas dazu, die nordkoreanische Wirtschaft entwickelt und die Lebensbedingungen der Bevölkerung verbessert zu haben und wünscht dem Volk des Nachbarlandes „anhaltenden Erfolg beim sozialistischen Aufbau“, wie die staatliche Nachrichtenagentur Xinhua berichtete. » | Peter Steiniger | Freitah, 20. Februar 2026
Saturday, February 14, 2026
China - Making a Nation (1/2) The Blue Sun | ARTE.tv Documentary
Feb 14, 2026 | After the fall of the Qing dynasty in 1911, China faced a historic turning point: How could the country find its way in the modern world? This two-part documentary shows how for over a century, China has been building itself up to repel foreign influence and to create a strong nation.
China - Making a Nation (1/2) The Blue Sun | ARTE.tv Documentary
Available until: 12/08/2026
China - Making a Nation (1/2) The Blue Sun | ARTE.tv Documentary
Available until: 12/08/2026
US-Botschafter bei der Nato: China könnte Ukraine-Krieg mit einem Anruf beenden
BERLINER ZEITUNG: Der US-Botschafter bei der Nato, Matthew Whitaker, kritisiert chinesische Käufe von russischem Öl. China kündigt humanitäre Hilfe für die Ukraine an.
China könnte den Krieg in der Ukraine mit einem Anruf beenden, hat der US-Botschafter bei der Nato, Matthew Whitaker, auf einer Podiumsdiskussion bei der Münchner Sicherheitskonferenz erklärt. „China könnte Wladimir Putin anrufen , diesen Krieg morgen beenden und die Lieferung seiner Dual-Use-Technologien einstellen“, sagte er einem Bloomberg-Bericht zufolge.
Er fügte hinzu: „Wissen Sie, dieser Krieg wird von China voll und ganz ermöglicht.“ Das Land könne den Kauf von russischem Öl und Gas stoppen, so Whitaker. China ist Bloomberg zufolge ein wichtiger Lieferant für russische Drohnen und andere Komponenten, die militärisch eingesetzt werden können, außerdem sei Peking derzeit der größte Abnehmer russischer Rohöllieferungen. » | Anika Schlünz | Samstag, 14. Februar 2026
China könnte den Krieg in der Ukraine mit einem Anruf beenden, hat der US-Botschafter bei der Nato, Matthew Whitaker, auf einer Podiumsdiskussion bei der Münchner Sicherheitskonferenz erklärt. „China könnte Wladimir Putin anrufen , diesen Krieg morgen beenden und die Lieferung seiner Dual-Use-Technologien einstellen“, sagte er einem Bloomberg-Bericht zufolge.
Er fügte hinzu: „Wissen Sie, dieser Krieg wird von China voll und ganz ermöglicht.“ Das Land könne den Kauf von russischem Öl und Gas stoppen, so Whitaker. China ist Bloomberg zufolge ein wichtiger Lieferant für russische Drohnen und andere Komponenten, die militärisch eingesetzt werden können, außerdem sei Peking derzeit der größte Abnehmer russischer Rohöllieferungen. » | Anika Schlünz | Samstag, 14. Februar 2026
Tuesday, February 10, 2026
Die Geschichte Chinas (1/3) | Doku HD Reupload | ARTE
Feb 8, 2026 | Die dreiteilige Doku erzählt anhand außergewöhnlicher Archivbilder von Chinas Aufstieg und Fall im Laufe der Geschichte. Dank der Einordnungen internationaler Historiker:innen entsteht eine völlig neue Perspektive auf 150 Jahre chinesischer Geschichte. Teil 1: China ist den Europäern Anfang des 19. Jahrhunderts unheimlich. Das "Reich der Mitte" schottet sich ab ...
Mehr als 2.000 Jahre lang wähnte sich China im Zentrum der Welt, ohne ernstzunehmende Gegner und hermetisch abgeriegelt von Fremden, die allesamt als unbedeutende Barbaren galten. Doch im 19. Jahrhundert sah sich das Reich der Mitte mit der geballten Macht der Europäer konfrontiert. Ein brutaler Schock, der das Land fast vernichtet hätte.
Aber China gab sich nicht geschlagen, sondern interessierte sich zunehmend für neue Ideen aus aller Welt – aus Russland, Deutschland, Japan und den USA – und machte sie sich zunutze.
Von den luxuriösen Kaiserpalästen bis zu den überfüllten Straßen Pekings, von durch Krieg und Hungersnot verwüsteten Landstrichen bis zu den Kreisen der im Exil lebenden chinesischen Intellektuellen erfanden außergewöhnliche Frauen und Männer das Land neu. Wie wurde China in anderthalb Jahrhunderten wieder zu dem, was es zwei Jahrtausende lang war: eine führende Weltmacht? Die dreiteilige Dokumentation sucht nach Antworten.
Die erste Folge beginnt in der Mitte des 19. Jahrhunderts, als China angegriffen wird und begreift, dass es sich neu erfinden muss, um nicht unterzugehen. Rebellenführer, Mandarine und mächtige Frauen kämpfen im Namen von Idealen, die uns heute widersprüchlich erscheinen, indem sie Anschauungen aus der chinesischen Tradition mit Elementen aus dem Christentum, dem Nationalismus oder dem Feminismus verbinden. In diesem halben Jahrhundert steht die Nation am Rande des Abgrunds und versucht einen Weg zu finden, zu überleben. Ohne ihre Identität zu preiszugeben, erfindet sie sich neu.
Dokureihe, Regie: Karim Miske und Ilana Navaro (F 2022, 54 Min)
Video verfügbar bis zum 14/07/2026
Mehr als 2.000 Jahre lang wähnte sich China im Zentrum der Welt, ohne ernstzunehmende Gegner und hermetisch abgeriegelt von Fremden, die allesamt als unbedeutende Barbaren galten. Doch im 19. Jahrhundert sah sich das Reich der Mitte mit der geballten Macht der Europäer konfrontiert. Ein brutaler Schock, der das Land fast vernichtet hätte.
Aber China gab sich nicht geschlagen, sondern interessierte sich zunehmend für neue Ideen aus aller Welt – aus Russland, Deutschland, Japan und den USA – und machte sie sich zunutze.
Von den luxuriösen Kaiserpalästen bis zu den überfüllten Straßen Pekings, von durch Krieg und Hungersnot verwüsteten Landstrichen bis zu den Kreisen der im Exil lebenden chinesischen Intellektuellen erfanden außergewöhnliche Frauen und Männer das Land neu. Wie wurde China in anderthalb Jahrhunderten wieder zu dem, was es zwei Jahrtausende lang war: eine führende Weltmacht? Die dreiteilige Dokumentation sucht nach Antworten.
Die erste Folge beginnt in der Mitte des 19. Jahrhunderts, als China angegriffen wird und begreift, dass es sich neu erfinden muss, um nicht unterzugehen. Rebellenführer, Mandarine und mächtige Frauen kämpfen im Namen von Idealen, die uns heute widersprüchlich erscheinen, indem sie Anschauungen aus der chinesischen Tradition mit Elementen aus dem Christentum, dem Nationalismus oder dem Feminismus verbinden. In diesem halben Jahrhundert steht die Nation am Rande des Abgrunds und versucht einen Weg zu finden, zu überleben. Ohne ihre Identität zu preiszugeben, erfindet sie sich neu.
Dokureihe, Regie: Karim Miske und Ilana Navaro (F 2022, 54 Min)
Video verfügbar bis zum 14/07/2026
Sunday, February 01, 2026
Is Trump Destroying the Western Alliance? Will Europe Ally with China?
Friday, January 30, 2026
Will Trump Trigger a New World War? | Max Hastings
Jan 30, 2026 | The legendary historian Max Hastings on NATO, China, democracy — and whether today’s world resembles 1914.
In this episode of Switzerland, Tom Switzer is joined by Sir Max Hastings — one of Britain’s most distinguished military historians, journalists, and former newspaper editors — for a wide-ranging conversation about war, power, and the fate of the Western order. They explore whether today’s fractured international system bears dangerous similarities to 1914, the impact of Donald Trump on U.S. foreign policy, Europe’s strategic vulnerability, NATO’s future, the rise of authoritarianism, and the challenges posed by Russia and China. Drawing on decades of scholarship and reportage, Hastings reflects on nationalism, Brexit, technology’s growing political power, and the enduring strengths — and vulnerabilities — of democratic societies in an age of renewed great-power rivalry.
In this episode of Switzerland, Tom Switzer is joined by Sir Max Hastings — one of Britain’s most distinguished military historians, journalists, and former newspaper editors — for a wide-ranging conversation about war, power, and the fate of the Western order. They explore whether today’s fractured international system bears dangerous similarities to 1914, the impact of Donald Trump on U.S. foreign policy, Europe’s strategic vulnerability, NATO’s future, the rise of authoritarianism, and the challenges posed by Russia and China. Drawing on decades of scholarship and reportage, Hastings reflects on nationalism, Brexit, technology’s growing political power, and the enduring strengths — and vulnerabilities — of democratic societies in an age of renewed great-power rivalry.
Tuesday, January 27, 2026
U.S Warns Cuba as China Steps In, Challenging U.S. Influence
Jan 27, 2026 | U.S Warns Cuba as China Steps In, Challenging U.S. Influence
This video explains why China has publicly pledged fresh support for Cuba as tensions with the United States rise again. It breaks down Beijing’s criticism of U.S. pressure, calls to lift sanctions, and Cuba’s defensive preparedness, while exploring how shifting power dynamics in the Caribbean and Latin America are drawing major global players into renewed diplomatic rivalry with potential regional consequences.
This video explains why China has publicly pledged fresh support for Cuba as tensions with the United States rise again. It breaks down Beijing’s criticism of U.S. pressure, calls to lift sanctions, and Cuba’s defensive preparedness, while exploring how shifting power dynamics in the Caribbean and Latin America are drawing major global players into renewed diplomatic rivalry with potential regional consequences.
Sunday, January 25, 2026
Trump’s Wrecking Ball Pushes US Allies Closer to China
THE GUARDIAN: n the search for stability, some western nations are turning to a country that many in Washington see as an existential threat
f geopolitics relies at least in part on bonhomie between global leaders, China made an unexpected play for Ireland’s good graces when the taoiseach visited Beijing this month. Meeting Ireland’s leader, Micheál Martin, in the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, China’s president, Xi Jinping, said a favourite book of his as a teenager was The Gadfly, by the Irish author Ethel Voynich, a novel set in the revolutionary fervour of Italy in the 1840s.
“It was unusual that we ended up discussing The Gadfly and its impact on both of us but there you are,” Martin told reporters in Beijing.
China is on a charm offensive with western leaders, a path cleared by Donald Trump’s increasingly erratic and destabilising power grabs on the global stage. Although Europe breathed a sigh of relief this week when Trump withdrew the threat of using military force in Greenland and said he would not impose tariffs on opponents of his plans in the Arctic, the US no longer seems like a reliable partner.
An editorial in the Chinese newspaper the Global Times made Beijing’s pitch clear: headlined “Europe should seriously consider building a China-EU community with a shared future”, the state media article said the world risked “returning to the law of the jungle” and that China and the EU should cooperate in building “a shared future for mankind”.
No country can afford to cut ties or truly antagonise the world’s biggest economy. But in the search for stability, US allies are turning to the country that many in Washington see as an existential threat: China. » | Amy Hawkins, Senior China correspondent | Sunday, January 25, 2026
f geopolitics relies at least in part on bonhomie between global leaders, China made an unexpected play for Ireland’s good graces when the taoiseach visited Beijing this month. Meeting Ireland’s leader, Micheál Martin, in the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, China’s president, Xi Jinping, said a favourite book of his as a teenager was The Gadfly, by the Irish author Ethel Voynich, a novel set in the revolutionary fervour of Italy in the 1840s.
“It was unusual that we ended up discussing The Gadfly and its impact on both of us but there you are,” Martin told reporters in Beijing.
China is on a charm offensive with western leaders, a path cleared by Donald Trump’s increasingly erratic and destabilising power grabs on the global stage. Although Europe breathed a sigh of relief this week when Trump withdrew the threat of using military force in Greenland and said he would not impose tariffs on opponents of his plans in the Arctic, the US no longer seems like a reliable partner.
An editorial in the Chinese newspaper the Global Times made Beijing’s pitch clear: headlined “Europe should seriously consider building a China-EU community with a shared future”, the state media article said the world risked “returning to the law of the jungle” and that China and the EU should cooperate in building “a shared future for mankind”.
No country can afford to cut ties or truly antagonise the world’s biggest economy. But in the search for stability, US allies are turning to the country that many in Washington see as an existential threat: China. » | Amy Hawkins, Senior China correspondent | Sunday, January 25, 2026
Saturday, January 24, 2026
Trump Threatens Canada With Tariffs as Post-Davos Fallout Continues
THE NEW YORK TIMES: President Trump said he would impose tariffs if Canada made “a deal with China,” though there is no sign that those countries are discussing a broad trade agreement.
President Trump on Saturday threatened Canada with steep tariffs if it “makes a deal with China” and insulted Prime Minister Mark Carney, his latest swing at the country since Mr. Carney pushed back against his policies in a highly publicized speech in Davos, Switzerland, this week.
“If Canada makes a deal with China, it will immediately be hit with a 100% Tariff against all Canadian goods and products coming into the U.S.A.,” Mr. Trump said in a post on Truth Social. He referred to Mr. Carney as “Governor Carney,” a reference to Mr. Trump’s repeated insistence that Canada should become the 51st U.S. state.
There is no indication that Canada and China are in discussions about a broad trade agreement. Mr. Trump may have been reacting to Mr. Carney’s state visit to China last week, during which he agreed to lower tariffs on some Chinese electric vehicles in exchange for China doing the same for some Canadian agricultural products. The closely watched visit was billed as a crucial reset in the two countries’ relationship, but the trade agreement itself was modest.
Canada gave Jamieson Greer, the U.S. Trade Representative, a detailed preview of the agreement with China before it was signed, a senior Canadian official said, speaking on condition of anonymity to divulge details about communication between the two administrations. Mr. Trump appeared to praise Mr. Carney after the deal was announced. (“Good for him,” he said.) » | Matina Stevis-Gridneff | Reporting from Toronto | Saturday, January 24, 2026
President Trump on Saturday threatened Canada with steep tariffs if it “makes a deal with China” and insulted Prime Minister Mark Carney, his latest swing at the country since Mr. Carney pushed back against his policies in a highly publicized speech in Davos, Switzerland, this week.
“If Canada makes a deal with China, it will immediately be hit with a 100% Tariff against all Canadian goods and products coming into the U.S.A.,” Mr. Trump said in a post on Truth Social. He referred to Mr. Carney as “Governor Carney,” a reference to Mr. Trump’s repeated insistence that Canada should become the 51st U.S. state.
There is no indication that Canada and China are in discussions about a broad trade agreement. Mr. Trump may have been reacting to Mr. Carney’s state visit to China last week, during which he agreed to lower tariffs on some Chinese electric vehicles in exchange for China doing the same for some Canadian agricultural products. The closely watched visit was billed as a crucial reset in the two countries’ relationship, but the trade agreement itself was modest.
Canada gave Jamieson Greer, the U.S. Trade Representative, a detailed preview of the agreement with China before it was signed, a senior Canadian official said, speaking on condition of anonymity to divulge details about communication between the two administrations. Mr. Trump appeared to praise Mr. Carney after the deal was announced. (“Good for him,” he said.) » | Matina Stevis-Gridneff | Reporting from Toronto | Saturday, January 24, 2026
Despite Trump’s Words, China and Russia Are Not Threatening Greenland
THE NEW YORK TIMES: U.S. and European officials say they are unaware of any intelligence that shows China and Russia are endangering the island, which is protected by the NATO security umbrella.
Fourteen years ago, a Chinese icebreaker called the Snow Dragon made a long and surprising voyage.
Over three months in the summer, the scientific research vessel crossed from the Pacific to the Atlantic, traversing nearly 5,400 nautical miles of the Arctic Ocean, a first for China. The crew discovered that melting ice meant the ship could travel through the remote region without great difficulty, the expedition leader told reporters after docking in Iceland.
“To our astonishment,” said the leader, Huigen Yang, “most part of the Northern Sea Route is open.”
American and European officials took notice at the time and began keeping a close watch on China’s moves in the Arctic.
But while China has talked about expanding trade and access to shipping lanes and natural resources in the Arctic, it has developed only a small footprint there over the years. And even as China and Russia compete with the United States in many parts of the world, they do not present a threat to American interests in or near Greenland, say experts on those two superpowers and current and former U.S. officials, including intelligence analysts.
Those findings contrast sharply with assertions by President Trump, who has repeatedly cited security as the reason he wants to acquire Greenland. In a speech on Wednesday at an annual forum in Davos, Switzerland, he said Greenland was an “enormous, unsecured island” that was a “core national security interest of the United States of America.” » | Edward Wong | Edward Wong reports from Washington on U.S. foreign policy and is a former Beijing bureau chief for The Times who has a written a book about China. | Saturday, January 24, 2026
Does anyone really believe the poppycock that Greenland’s security is momentarily endangered by Russia or China?
Trump wants Greenland for ONE main reason, and for one MAIN reason only: He wants to ENRICH HIMSELF and PROFIT. That’s all he ever seems to want to do anyway. I don’t believe that Trump is working for the good of the American people; rather, I believe he is working for the good of himself, his family, and his cronies. Where there is money involved, he’s there! Trump is not far away.
Trump is a climate change denier. But, ironically, it is because of climate change that so many treasures are going to be made available for mining/ The more the earth warms, the greater the treasures made available for exploitation: rare earths, gold, minerals, and significant oil and gas reserves, and much else besides, yet unknown. It’s a treasure trove that would benefit Trump, the usurper. That’s why he wants Greenland, and for little else. Had it not been for climate change, I doubt that Trump would even have uttered the word Greenland!
Fact is, a known crook has been re-elected to the White House, and that crook is using his presidency as a cash cow. That’s the long and the short of it. However, he must not be allowed to have ANY sovereignty over Greenland. Greenland and its vast riches belong to the Greenlanders and the Danes and to nobody else. — © Mark Alexander
Fourteen years ago, a Chinese icebreaker called the Snow Dragon made a long and surprising voyage.
Over three months in the summer, the scientific research vessel crossed from the Pacific to the Atlantic, traversing nearly 5,400 nautical miles of the Arctic Ocean, a first for China. The crew discovered that melting ice meant the ship could travel through the remote region without great difficulty, the expedition leader told reporters after docking in Iceland.
“To our astonishment,” said the leader, Huigen Yang, “most part of the Northern Sea Route is open.”
American and European officials took notice at the time and began keeping a close watch on China’s moves in the Arctic.
But while China has talked about expanding trade and access to shipping lanes and natural resources in the Arctic, it has developed only a small footprint there over the years. And even as China and Russia compete with the United States in many parts of the world, they do not present a threat to American interests in or near Greenland, say experts on those two superpowers and current and former U.S. officials, including intelligence analysts.
Those findings contrast sharply with assertions by President Trump, who has repeatedly cited security as the reason he wants to acquire Greenland. In a speech on Wednesday at an annual forum in Davos, Switzerland, he said Greenland was an “enormous, unsecured island” that was a “core national security interest of the United States of America.” » | Edward Wong | Edward Wong reports from Washington on U.S. foreign policy and is a former Beijing bureau chief for The Times who has a written a book about China. | Saturday, January 24, 2026
Does anyone really believe the poppycock that Greenland’s security is momentarily endangered by Russia or China?
Trump wants Greenland for ONE main reason, and for one MAIN reason only: He wants to ENRICH HIMSELF and PROFIT. That’s all he ever seems to want to do anyway. I don’t believe that Trump is working for the good of the American people; rather, I believe he is working for the good of himself, his family, and his cronies. Where there is money involved, he’s there! Trump is not far away.
Trump is a climate change denier. But, ironically, it is because of climate change that so many treasures are going to be made available for mining/ The more the earth warms, the greater the treasures made available for exploitation: rare earths, gold, minerals, and significant oil and gas reserves, and much else besides, yet unknown. It’s a treasure trove that would benefit Trump, the usurper. That’s why he wants Greenland, and for little else. Had it not been for climate change, I doubt that Trump would even have uttered the word Greenland!
Fact is, a known crook has been re-elected to the White House, and that crook is using his presidency as a cash cow. That’s the long and the short of it. However, he must not be allowed to have ANY sovereignty over Greenland. Greenland and its vast riches belong to the Greenlanders and the Danes and to nobody else. — © Mark Alexander
Monday, January 05, 2026
China fordert Freilassung Maduros und hält an Öl-Geschäften mit Venezuela fest
BERLINER ZEITUNG: China verschärft nach der Festnahme von Maduro den Ton gegenüber den USA. Zugleich signalisiert Peking, dass es seine Interessen in Venezuela nicht preisgeben will.
China hat nach der Festnahme von Nicolás Maduro durch US-Spezialeinheiten seine Kritik an Washington verschärft und zugleich signalisiert, dass Peking an den Beziehungen zu Venezuela festhalten will. Außenamtssprecher Lin Jian erklärte am Montag, China sei „zutiefst besorgt“ über die Festnahme Madurós und dessen Abtransport in die USA.
Das Vorgehen der USA verstoße gegen Völkerrecht, grundlegende Normen internationaler Beziehungen sowie gegen Ziele und Prinzipien der Charta der Vereinten Nationen, heißt es in einer Mitschrift des chinesischen Außenministeriums, über die unter anderem die South China Morning Post berichtet. Peking forderte die USA außerdem auf, die Sicherheit von Maduro und seiner Ehefrau zu gewährleisten und beide sofort freizulassen. » | Alexander Schmalz | Montag, 5. Januar 2026
China hat nach der Festnahme von Nicolás Maduro durch US-Spezialeinheiten seine Kritik an Washington verschärft und zugleich signalisiert, dass Peking an den Beziehungen zu Venezuela festhalten will. Außenamtssprecher Lin Jian erklärte am Montag, China sei „zutiefst besorgt“ über die Festnahme Madurós und dessen Abtransport in die USA.
Das Vorgehen der USA verstoße gegen Völkerrecht, grundlegende Normen internationaler Beziehungen sowie gegen Ziele und Prinzipien der Charta der Vereinten Nationen, heißt es in einer Mitschrift des chinesischen Außenministeriums, über die unter anderem die South China Morning Post berichtet. Peking forderte die USA außerdem auf, die Sicherheit von Maduro und seiner Ehefrau zu gewährleisten und beide sofort freizulassen. » | Alexander Schmalz | Montag, 5. Januar 2026
Thursday, January 01, 2026
Australian Beef Industry ‘Extremely Disappointed’ after China Hits Imports with 55% Tariff
THE GUARDIAN: Levy on beef exceeding quotas to begin immediately as Beijing seeks to protect domestic industry
Australian beef producers said they were “extremely disappointed” after China announced a 55% tariff on imports that exceed quota levels in a move to protect a domestic cattle industry slowly emerging from oversupply.
China’s commerce ministry said on Wednesday the total import quota for 2026 for Australia and other countries such as Brazil and the US covered under its new “safeguard measures” is 2.7m metric tons, roughly in line with the record 2.87m tons it imported overall in 2024.
The new annual quota levels are set below import levels for the first 11 months of 2025 for Australia as well as its top supplier, Brazil.
“The increase in the amount of imported beef has seriously damaged China’s domestic industry,” the ministry said in announcing the measure after an investigation launched last December.
The measure takes effect on 1 January for three years, with the total quota increasing annually. » | Martin Farrer and Dan Jervis-Bardy | Thursday, January 1, 2026
Australian beef producers said they were “extremely disappointed” after China announced a 55% tariff on imports that exceed quota levels in a move to protect a domestic cattle industry slowly emerging from oversupply.
China’s commerce ministry said on Wednesday the total import quota for 2026 for Australia and other countries such as Brazil and the US covered under its new “safeguard measures” is 2.7m metric tons, roughly in line with the record 2.87m tons it imported overall in 2024.
The new annual quota levels are set below import levels for the first 11 months of 2025 for Australia as well as its top supplier, Brazil.
“The increase in the amount of imported beef has seriously damaged China’s domestic industry,” the ministry said in announcing the measure after an investigation launched last December.
The measure takes effect on 1 January for three years, with the total quota increasing annually. » | Martin Farrer and Dan Jervis-Bardy | Thursday, January 1, 2026
Sunday, December 28, 2025
Michael Lambert: The West Takes It Easy Whilst China Plans Decades Ahead
Dec 28, 2025 | As we close out 2025, the sense of global anxiety is at an all-time high. From the re-election of Donald Trump to the structural decline of the UK and EU economies, it feels like the Western world is stuck in a loop of short-term thinking and bureaucratic failure.
Meanwhile, China continues its relentless rise. In this year-end reflection, I break down why our politicians are failing us, why the "HS2 mentality" is destroying UK infrastructure, and what we need to do to find a sustainable way forward in 2026. …
Meanwhile, China continues its relentless rise. In this year-end reflection, I break down why our politicians are failing us, why the "HS2 mentality" is destroying UK infrastructure, and what we need to do to find a sustainable way forward in 2026. …
Tuesday, December 23, 2025
Russia and China Pledge Support for Venezuela as Trump Ratchets Up Pressure on Maduro
THE GUARDIAN: Trump again called for Venezuela’s president to leave power and said the US would keep or sell the oil it had seized
China and Russia have expressed support for Venezuela as it confronts a US blockade of sanctioned oil tankers, while Donald Trump continues to ramp up his pressure campaign on the South American country’s president, Nicolás Maduro.
Amid reports of slowing activity at Venezuelan ports, the US president again called for Maduro to leave power, and reiterated that the US would keep or sell the oil it had seized off the coast of Venezuela in recent weeks.
Asked if the goal was to force Maduro from power, Trump told reporters: “I think it’d be smart for him to do that,” before adding “if he wants to do something, if he plays tough, it’ll be the last time he’s ever able to play tough.”
After Trump announced a “blockade” of all sanctioned oil tankers entering and leaving Venezuela last week, tanker loading at the country’s ports has slowed, with most ships moving oil cargoes only between domestic ports, according to the Reuters news agency. The number of loaded tankers that have not departed has increased in recent days, leaving millions of barrels of Venezuelan oil stuck on board ships, while customers demand deeper discounts and contract changes to take risky voyages beyond the country’s waters.
China’s foreign ministry said on Monday that the seizure of another country’s ships was a serious violation of international law, after the US intercepted a China-bound oil tanker off the Venezuelan coast on Saturday. » | Guardian staff and agencies | Tuesday, December 23, 2025
China and Russia have expressed support for Venezuela as it confronts a US blockade of sanctioned oil tankers, while Donald Trump continues to ramp up his pressure campaign on the South American country’s president, Nicolás Maduro.
Amid reports of slowing activity at Venezuelan ports, the US president again called for Maduro to leave power, and reiterated that the US would keep or sell the oil it had seized off the coast of Venezuela in recent weeks.
Asked if the goal was to force Maduro from power, Trump told reporters: “I think it’d be smart for him to do that,” before adding “if he wants to do something, if he plays tough, it’ll be the last time he’s ever able to play tough.”
After Trump announced a “blockade” of all sanctioned oil tankers entering and leaving Venezuela last week, tanker loading at the country’s ports has slowed, with most ships moving oil cargoes only between domestic ports, according to the Reuters news agency. The number of loaded tankers that have not departed has increased in recent days, leaving millions of barrels of Venezuelan oil stuck on board ships, while customers demand deeper discounts and contract changes to take risky voyages beyond the country’s waters.
China’s foreign ministry said on Monday that the seizure of another country’s ships was a serious violation of international law, after the US intercepted a China-bound oil tanker off the Venezuelan coast on Saturday. » | Guardian staff and agencies | Tuesday, December 23, 2025
Sunday, December 21, 2025
’He’s the Worst President in My Political Lifetime’ | Former BBC Chair on Donald Trump
Dec 21, 2025 | “Trump is appalling. He’s the worst president of the United States in my political lifetime.”
Trump thinks the law is a way he can “take revenge on people who have disagreed with him”, says former Hong Kong governor and Conservative peer Chris Patten.
Trump thinks the law is a way he can “take revenge on people who have disagreed with him”, says former Hong Kong governor and Conservative peer Chris Patten.
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