China and the Netherlands have committed to strengthening cooperation and deepening diplomatic engagement in response to mounting global challenges, following a bilateral meeting in Beijing on Thursday between Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and his Dutch counterpart Caspar Veldkamp.
Speaking at the Diaoyutai State Guesthouse, both sides stressed the importance of reinforcing broader China–EU relations, particularly in the context of climate change, the green transition, and multilateral governance. The meeting comes amid signs of easing diplomatic strain, months after the Netherlands expanded its export controls on semiconductor technology at the urging of the United States.
The meeting, described in a pool report, highlighted areas of convergence as both governments expressed readiness to engage on shared concerns. Wang Yi stated that China “is willing to enhance communication and dialogue with the Netherlands, and deepen practical cooperation,” positioning the Netherlands as a valuable partner in efforts to stabilise and energise China–EU ties.
The Dutch Foreign Minister echoed this sentiment, noting that the Netherlands and the European Union were prepared to collaborate with Beijing on a range of critical issues. “We want to work with China on the global challenges we’re facing together,” Veldkamp said. He identified climate action, the green transition, support for the multilateral system, and women’s rights as areas where closer cooperation could be explored during his visit.
Although the semiconductor issue was not mentioned in the official pool report from Thursday’s meeting, the broader context of China–Netherlands relations has been shaped by ongoing tensions surrounding high-tech exports. In January, the Dutch government announced it would expand its export licence requirements for advanced semiconductor manufacturing equipment, effective from 1 April 2025. The decision, taken in response to pressure from Washington, has been part of a wider effort by the United States to curb China’s access to cutting-edge chipmaking technology.
Beijing has consistently voiced opposition to these controls, accusing Washington of politicising trade and undermining global supply chains under the guise of national security. The Chinese government has described the measures as part of a trend whereby some countries are “abusing export controls” and unnecessarily broadening the definition of national security.
The state-backed Global Times warned earlier this year that such export curbs risk “seriously threatening the stability of global semiconductor supply chains.” However, ASML, the Dutch manufacturer of lithography machines used in chip production and a central player in this discussion, has stated that the tightened restrictions are unlikely to materially affect its business outlook.
Thursday’s meeting between Wang and Veldkamp appeared to mark a shift in tone, as both countries turned their focus to more constructive areas of cooperation. Notably, the Dutch foreign minister said Prime Minister Dick Schoof was looking forward to a possible official visit to China later in the year. Should it proceed, this would represent a significant step in rebuilding high-level political engagement between the two countries.
China’s diplomatic overtures also form part of a broader campaign to recalibrate relations with European states, particularly as tensions persist with Washington on multiple fronts, from trade policy to military alliances. The Chinese leadership has identified Europe as a key partner in multilateral forums and global governance, while also seeking to counterbalance U.S. influence on sensitive technology issues.
For the Netherlands, the engagement with Beijing comes amid its own balancing act between transatlantic commitments and the practicalities of maintaining stable commercial ties with the world’s second-largest economy. China remains a major trading partner for Dutch firms, particularly in sectors such as agriculture, logistics, and advanced manufacturing.
In his comments, Veldkamp emphasised the Netherlands’ commitment to addressing global issues through cooperation and dialogue. He stated that his government sees China as an indispensable player in managing climate change and supporting the international rules-based order. The reference to women’s rights also suggested a willingness to engage China on human rights topics, though without public confrontation.
Observers in Brussels will likely view the meeting as part of a broader trend of selective EU-China engagement, whereby member states pursue pragmatic cooperation in non-contentious areas while maintaining alignment with wider EU policies on trade and technology.
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