Dr Sense Hofstede (/ˈsɛnsə ˈɦɔfsteːdə/) is an analyst of the politics and foreign policy of China, Singapore, and Taiwan. His research focuses in particular on the Chinese party-state and the international relations of the Indo-Pacific.
Sense currently works on EU–China relations as Head of the Brussels Office of the China Team at AMO, Czechia’s premier foreign policy think tank. In his personal capacity, he sends out the thrice-weekly China newsletter De Chinese Wouden. He previously worked as a Research Fellow at the Clingendael Institute and a Lecturer at Leiden University. He has appeared before the Dutch parliament and comments regularly in the media.
Before returning to Europe, Sense spent several years in Asia. He holds a PhD in Comparative Asian Studies from the National University of Singapore, a Master’s in International Relations from Peking University and Sciences Po Paris, and a BA in International Relations and Organisation from Groningen University.
何森璱
Selected publications
China Observers in Central and Eastern Europe (CHOICE). 12 August 2026. ‘Xi Jinping’s Relativist Vision of the International Order Legitimizes Russia’s Sphere of Influence’.
ReConnect China. 2 June 2025. Responding with data to China’s supposed divide-and-rule diplomacy in the EU. Policy Brief #22.
Fondation pour la recherche stratégique. 27 February 2025. One Europe, many policies: balancing EU relations with Taiwan and China.
Jamestown China Brief 25 (1): 30–5. ‘The Leninist Leash: How Beijing’s Answer to Global Demand for Choice Makes the World More Closed off’. 17 January 2025.
Clingendael Institute. March 2024. Prospects for Europe with the Indo-Pacific: Ten steps for action based on shared interests. Policy Brief. with Angela Stanzel & Maaike Okano-Heijmans.
9DASHLINE. 9 December 2020. ‘Taiwan’s democratic journey and stabilising national identity’.
Selected media appearances
Nieuwsuur. 18 August 2026. ‘Hoe China Taiwan wil breken (zonder één schot te lossen)’.
South China Morning Post. 29 June 2026. ‘EU confronts ‘China shock’ ahead of pivotal Brussels trade talks’.
de Volkskrant. 9 December 2025 ‘Nieuwe escalatie in Nexperia-vete: China publiceert namen Nederlandse spionnen’.
RTL Nieuws. 4 June 2024. ‘Nieuwe partij NL Plan steunt op organisaties verbonden aan Chinese Communistische Partij’.
The Washington Post. 25 July 2023. ‘In Singapore, loud echoes of Beijing’s positions generate anxiety’.
Newsweek. 1 July 2021. ‘Xi Jinping Says China to Become Dominant World Power Within 30 Years’.
Recent blog posts
- Epochal European Council still misses opportunity to send a signal to China
- Sino-American strategic stability: Xi buys time from Trump
- US and Israel confirm Xi’s historical laws with Iran attack
- De echte China-factor in Europa’s belangen in Groenland
- Comparing French and German diplomatic visits to China