Scaring the Monkey - Decoding China's Response to Trump

Recently, international headlines have been dominated by US President Donald Trump's trade tariffs and his challenge to the rules-based international order.

Trump has made bold threats, including seeking control of Greenland, the Panama Canal, and Gaza, while aligning with Russia and withdrawing support from Ukraine. His escalating tariff policies are raising doubts about long-standing alliances and the future of the global trading system, leaving many allies - including the EU - unsure of what comes next.

Meanwhile, China's position in the global economy remains crucial. As the world's second-largest economy, how does China view these recent developments ?

In this episode, we speak with Alexander Davey, Research Analyst at MERICS about:

  • China's perspective on the shifting geopolitical landscape,
  • The potential impact of recent events on China's relationship with the EU,
  • How China's struggling domestic economy may shape its future path
  • and much more!


Date of Recording:  February 28th, 2025.




Chinese president Xi Jinping and US President Donald Trump are pictured in black and white looking stern and serious with their countries flags in the background. Listen to our latest podcast to hear how China is viewing the recent round of Trump's tariffs and policies as Research Analyst Alexander Davy from MERICS shares his insights. You can listen at www.pwneilo.com or by searching for Perspectives with Neilo wherever you get your podcasts.
Chinese leader, Xi Jinping (L) and US President Donald Trump (R)


DIVE DEEPER:

Additional information on the topics discussed in this episode:

  • Kill the Chicken to Scare the Monkey - wiki
  • Chinese Ambassador to Ireland Zhao Xiyuan presents credentials to President Michael D.Higgins - Ministry of Foreign Affairs, PRC (February 12th, 2025) <Chinese Government website>


You might also like:


#Geopolitics, #TradeTariffs, #USChinaRelations, #GlobalTrade, #DonaldTrump, #ChinaEU, #InternationalRelations, #GlobalEconomy, #ForeignPolicy, #EUPolitics, #ChinaEconomy, #GEOpoliticalLandscape, #TradeWars, #USPolitics, #ChinaPolitics

Exile in Ireland - Uyghurs Speak Out Against Transnational Repression

In mid-February, the communities of Uyghurs and Hong Kongers living in Ireland wrote an open letter to the Taoiseach Micheál Martin and Tánaiste Simon Harris highlighting concerns for their safety and drawing urgent attention to the pattern of Chinese state surveillance and harassment of members of their diaspora communities.

The letter was written in advance of Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi's visit to Ireland and requested the Irish Government to adopt a human-rights-based approach in their discussions with Chinese officials, as well as demanding concrete actions with respect to acts of transnational repression, genocide and politically motivated imprisonment perpetrated by the People's Republic of China (PRC).

We spoke to Nuria Zyden, the Director of the Irish Uyghur Cultural Association (Instagram @irishuyghurca) about the Uyghur community in Ireland, the pain and longing of being separated from family and what lies behind her community's concerns for their safety which she outlined in the recent letter to the Irish Government.

Date of Recording: February 24th, 2025.




A group of Irish Uyghurs wave flags and banners to draw attention to the plight of the Uyghur people during China's Foreign Minister's visit to Dublin on February 17th, 2025.
Irish Uyghurs protest during the visit of China's Foreign Minister, Wang Yi to Dublin on February 17th, 2025.


DIVE DEEPER:

Additional information on the topics discussed in this episode:

  • Open Letter to the Irish Government on the Occasion of the Chinese Foreign Minister's visit on 17th February, 2025 - link





You might also like:


Thumbnail Photo Credit: Irish Uyghur Cultural Association Instagram 

#UyghurRights #HumanRights #TransnationalRepression #ChineseSurveillance #DiasporaVoices #GenocideAwareness #HongKongersInIreland #UyghurCommunity #PoliticalPrisoners #ChinaRepression #IrelandHumanRights #MicheálMartin #SimonHarris #WangYiVisit #UyghurCulture #PoliticalFreedom #GenocidePrevention #UyghurSolidarity #ChineseOppression #RightsForUyghurs #UN #UNHCR #OHCHR #UyghursinIreland


Wolf Warrior Visits - Unpacking China's Interest in Ireland

On February 16th and 17th, China's Foreign Minister, Wang Yi (王毅) visited Ireland. Mr. Wang is the second senior Chinese official to visit Ireland in just over a year, following a visit by Premier Li Qiang (李强) in January of 2024.

In this episode of Perspectives with Neilo, we dive deep into China's growing interest in Ireland and how this dynamic intersects with broader EU-China relations. We examine how the rise of protectionist policies under US President Donald Trump coupled with China's desire to reshape the international rules-based world order creates challenges for Ireland who find themselves navigating a complex geopolitical terrain.

We examine the ripple effects of these global power dynamics on frontline democracies like Taiwan and Ukraine and analyze whether Ireland could become a new battleground in this struggle for global influence.

Tune in to this episode of Perspectives with Neilo as we take a closer look at the circumstances surrounding the latest Chinese visit to Ireland and what factors could be prompting this uptick of interest in a turbulent geopolitical landscape. 

Date of Recording: February 22nd, 2025.



Picture of Ireland's deputy prime minister (Tanaiste) Simon Harris welcoming Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi to Dublin on February 17th, 2025. Behind them are (L-R) Irish, EU and Chinese flags.
Irish Deputy Prime Minister (Tanaiste) Simon Harris welcomes Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi to Ireland on February 17th, 2025



DIVE DEEPER:

Additional information on the topics discussed in this episode:


You might also like:



Audio transition: Sound Soul by Diamond_Tunes via Pixabay

 #China #Ireland #EUChinaRelations #Geopolitics #Democracy #Taiwan #Ukraine #InternationalRelations #ForeignPolicy #USChinaRelations #WolfWarriorDiplomacy #Podcast #News #Politics #WangYi

MAMU - Interview with Director Aephie Chen

In this episode of Perspectives with Neilo, we are delighted to share our recent interview with film director Aephie Chen, the brilliant mind behind the stunning film MAMU (Instagram: boatingisland). Known for its exploration of culture, language and identity, MAMU is a deeply personal story that navigates the complexities of father-daughter relationships, the bond between people and their homelands, and the intimate challenges of caring for a loved one who is slipping away from this world.

The film unfolds through the lens of a nurse caring for her ailing father in London where language no longer serves as a bridge. Instead, it is care, touch and memories that forge connections. MAMU reflects on themes of home, identity and the emotional complexities of caregiving, blending the real and surreal in a poignant way.

If you are fascinated by films that explore cultural heritage, indigenous identities and the beauty of human connection, this episode is a must-listen. Hear our captivating conversation with Aephie as she shares her own story and how it inspired the film. She shares her creative process and exploration of Taiwan's Amis indigenous culture, and how her roots influenced the narrative and aesthetics of the film, plus much more! 


Date of Recording: January 27th, 2025.



Picture of the main character Mayaw played by Aki Rupi in the film MAMU. He stands in his garden in London gazing into the distance thinking of his homeland. Listen to our interview with MAMU director Aephie Chen at www.pwneilo.com
The main character Mayaw played by Aki Rupi in the film MAMU.



DIVE DEEPER:

Additional information on the topics discussed in this episode:

  • Stream MAMU on Giloo - link


You might also like:


#Taiwan #AmisCulture #FilmDirector #MAMU #AephieChen #IndigenousCulture #CulturalHeritage #TaiwanCinema #FatherDaughter #Caregiving #HumanConnection #FilmPodcast #podcast


Taiwan, Ireland and Wolf Warrior Interference - Interview with Senator Gerry Horkan

In this episode of Perspectives with Neilo, we dive deep into the heart of international diplomacy and the challenges faced by democracies on the frontlines. Senator Gerry Horkan (Ireland) shares his firsthand experience and insights from his July 2024 visit to Taiwan, a democratic beacon in the Asia-Pacific region. Horkan reflects on the warm reception he received in Taiwan, as well as the reported backlash from China's Wolf Warrior diplomacy.

The Chinese Ambassador to Ireland's harsh criticisms of Horkan and his colleagues' visit highlight the geopolitical tensions surrounding Taiwan's sovereignty and its ongoing struggle for global recognition.  As an advocate for pro-democracy values, Horkan discusses the importance of supporting Taiwan, a nation under constant threat of aggression from China.

This episode shares some valuable insights for anyone interested in global democracy, foreign policy and the delicate balance of international relations in a world increasingly under threat by authoritarian regimes. Whether you're following the situation in Taiwan, Ukraine or other frontline democracies, this interview provides a glimpse into the global struggle for democratic ideals in an era of Wolf Warrior diplomacy.

Date of Recording: January 26th, 2025.




Irish Senate delegation visiting Taiwan in July, 2024 (L-R) Diarmuid Wilson (FF), Garret Ahern (FG), Sharon Keogan (Ind), Gerry Horkan (FF) and Gerard Craughwell (Ind). Listen to our interview with Gerry Horkan at www.pwneilo.com or by searching for Perspectives with Neilo wherever you get your podcasts
Irish Senate delegation visiting Taiwan in July, 2024 (L-R) Diarmuid Wilson (FF), Garret Ahern (FG), Sharon Keogan (Ind), Gerry Horkan (FF) and Gerard Craughwell (Ind)


DIVE DEEPER:

Additional Information on the topics discussed in this episode:



    You might also like:

    • EU in Taiwan - report from the 2023 Europe Festival in Taipei including interviews with representatives of various EU trade offices.


    #democracy, #pro-democracy, #globaldemocracy #WolfWarrior, #WolfWarriorDiplomacy, #geopolitics, #foreignpolicy, #Taiwan, #Ukraine, #China, #Internationalrelations, #CCP, #Ireland, #IrelandTaiwanRelations, 

    Happy Lunar New Year

    In this episode we explore the traditions and customs of the Lunar New Year (also known as the Spring Festival 春節), a captivating festival rooted in ancient lunar cycles and celebrated across multiple East Asian countries. 

    Listen in as we talk to some friends on the Taiwan stand at the Holiday World Show held recently at the RDS, Dublin about the Year of the Snake, 2025. We hear about everything from parades and fireworks, to favorite foods and the exchange of lucky red envelopes (紅包) and how communities in Taiwan and beyond ring in the Lunar New Year!

    Date of Recording: January 26th, 2025.



    On a background of multi-coloured fireworks a sign wishes everyone 'Happy Lunar New Year' 2025 and a red snake is wrapped around the numbers denoting the year. Hope you enjoy listening to this podcast which you can find at www.pwneilo.com or wherever you get your podcasts
    Happy Lunar New Year - 2025, the year of the Snake



    DIVE DEEPER:

    Additional information on visiting Taiwan and Taiwanese Organizations in Ireland:

    • Flights


    You Might Also Like:

    • Visit Taiwan - Includes interview with H.E. Pierre Yang, Taiwan's Ambassador to Ireland.



    Outro Music Credit:
    Lunar Celebration by DJARTMUSIC via Pixabay


    #Taiwan #LunarNewYear #YearoftheSnake #yearofsnake #snake2025 #lunarnewyear2025 #lunarnewyeardublin #culture #podcast #holidayworldshow


    China Travel - Red Flags and Exit Bans

     With the promise of a new year comes the anticipation of new horizons, and for many, this is the time to plan travel for the year ahead.

    In 2024, the Chinese Government unilaterally extended visa-free entry to citizens of 38 countries and has broadened a policy of offering visa-free entry for transit travelers who plan visits of 10 days or less. That currently applies to 54 nations.

    In a number of past episodes we've talked with experts about how China differs from Western liberal democracies (see below) and in this episode of Perspectives with Neilo we take a closer look at what you should know if you are thinking of travelling to the People's Republic of China (PRC) in the year ahead. 

    Topics covered in this episode include:

    • ChinaTravel - brief introduction,
    • The one-party authoritarian state (listen to China 101),
    • Freedom, Media, Surveillance,
    • Exit bans and the case of Irishman, Richard O'Halloran,
    • Phone inspections, mobile payments and the Great Firewall,
    • Propaganda awareness,
    • How successful is China's visa-free entry so far?
    • Flights and transiting in Hong Kong.
    Be sure to check your government's Travel Advice website for the latest information specific to citizens of your country.


    Date of Recording; January 12th, 2025




    Picture shows Chinese flags on flag poles flying in the breeze and in the foreground are a bunch of surveillance cameras. Listen to our latest podcast on China Travel advice at www.pwneilo.com
    China Travel - Red Flags and Exit Bans




    DIVE DEEPER:

    Additional information on the topics discussed in this episode.

    • U.S. Embassy China - Security Alert: Exercise increased caution regarding attacks in public areas


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    Music Credits:
    Beyond - rhythm by SamuelFJohanns via Pixabay
    Suspense Dramatic by leberchmus via Pixabay
    Thriller Movie Background by leberchmus via Pixabay
    Mystery Suspense Secret by leberchmus via Pixabay
    Sound Soul by Diamond_Tunes via Pixabay

    #ChinaTravel, #Beijing, #BeijingTravel, #ExitBan, #TravelAdvisory, #TravelAdvice, #RichardOHalloran, #Ireland, #China, #HongKong, #GreatWall, #GreatFirewall, #Visafree #Podcast
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