A Strait Blockade is not Stable Trade !

As the global economy continues to grapple with the roller coaster uncertainties of President Donald Trump's tariff war, trade relations between the world's two largest economies - the United States and China - have reached a breaking point. A series of tit-for-tat tariff escalations has pushed their economic ties to the brink, with ripple effects being felt far beyond their borders.

While many smaller nations scramble to shield themselves from the fallout of this high-stakes trade conflict, China is positioning itself as a stabilizing force - seeking to capitalize on global dissatisfaction with U.S. trade policy and promote its own image as a force for stable trade in the world.

But how does China's claim hold up under scrutiny ?

In this episode of Perspectives with Neilo, we unpack China's performance as a global trading partner, explore its engagement with the World Trade Organization, and examine whether its claims of being a stabilizing force in global trade hold any water or just mask deeper strategic ambitions.

Date of Recording: April 21st, 2025



The image shows a satellite map of Taiwan surrounded by a path created by China's naval vessels (in red) as they conduct military drills around the island. The picture also indicates target strike locations in major cities around Taiwan.
Image released by China's PLA Eastern Theatre Command as part of their 'Strait Thunder 2025A' military drills launched around Taiwan on March 31st. The image indicates target strike locations in many of Taiwan's major metropolitan areas.


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Music Credits

Title music: Uplifting by Plastic3 used under license 
Certificate number: 463851b2-7fe3-486b-aabf-64f4dea6047f/4827

Audio transition: Sound Soul (This Logo Reveal) by Diamond_Tunes via Pixabay


#geopolitics, #globaltrade, #china, #USChinaRelations, #Tradewar, #Trump2024, #ChinaPolitics, #worldEconomy, #CCP, #EconomicPower, #Taiwan, #Taiwanstrait, #military, #WTO, #Podcast, #Podcastrecommendations


The FIMI Iceberg - Decoding Foreign Interference Threats

According to data gathered by the European External Action Service (EEAS), last year over eighty countries and over two hundred organizations were targets of attacks from Foreign Information Manipulation and Interference - or FIMI. These attacks targeted everything from major international events like the Paris Olympics, to national elections, regional conflicts and local protests.

The main instigators of these influence operations were China and Russia and they use FIMI to manipulate public opinion, fuel polarization and interfere with democratic processes within the EU and worldwide. They employ a multi-layered strategy using both state and non-state actors to exert long term influence.

According to the EEAS report, "their aim is to destabilize societies, damage democracies, drive wedges between different groups and undermine the EU's global standing". The EU's High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Kaja Kallas says "FIMI is not merely a tool for disseminating deceptive narratives. It is an integral part of military operations used by foreign states to lay the way for kinetic action on the ground," and "is a major security threat to the EU."

And it would appear that no country is immune. Even a small neutral country like Ireland was mentioned thousands of times by Russian and Chinese influence networks during a monitoring period from September 2023 to September 2024 according to an in-depth study carried out by Norway's Defense Research Strategy.

In this episode of Perspectives with Neilo, we chat with Eoin McNamara (X: @McNamara_Eoin  BSky: @mcnamara-eoin.bsky.social), Research Fellow at the Finnish Institute of International Affairs in Helsinki to unpack some of the key findings in these reports. We discuss what motives lie behind these manipulation and interference campaigns as well as some examples of recent case studies and their impact. In addition we talk about the vulnerability of western society to such interference and what democracies can do to protect their citizens from such nefarious interference in the future.

Date of Recording: March 31st, 2025.



The thumbnail is entitled the FIMI Iceberg and shows Russia President Putin and Chinese President Xi - one on either side of an iceberg. They are surrounded by symbols of their state organizations and state controlled media outlets that appear around the iceberg above the water line. Below the waterline are symbols of China's and Russia's covert state linked channels and state aligned channels.
The FIMI Iceberg showing Russia's and China's Overt threats such as official state agencies and state controlled outlets (media organizations) as well as Covert threats (below the water line) such as state linked channels and state aligned channels. See the 3rd EEAS Report on Foreign Information Manipulation and Interference Threats linked below for full details.


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Music Credits:
Title music: Uplifting by Plastic3 used under Tribe of Noise license
Break: Shining Bright Dusk by FreeSoundServer via Pixabay

#FIMI, #InformationWarfare, #Geopolitics, #Cybersecurity, #Disinformation, #DigitalWarfare, #ForeignInterference, #Propaganda, #CyberThreats, #ElectionInterference, #ChinaInfluence, #RussiaInterference, #HybridWarfare, #ChinesePropaganda, #AuthoritarianInfluence, #EUDemocracy, #EuropeanSecurity, #EUPolitics, #EUForeignPolicy, #DefendDemocracy, #IrelandSecurity, #IrelandPolitics, #NeutralIreland, #SocialMediaManipulation, #DigitalPropoganda, #FakeNews, #CyberTactics, #Podcast, #PodcastEpisode

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>


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#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





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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



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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


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#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, 
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