Agreed! China-Dutch relations have noticeably warmed up, with the Netherlands initiating a prime minister-level call with us! On March 25, according to domestic media reports, our Premier held a phone conversation with Dutch Prime Minister Ytter. This call marks the second high-level dialogue between the two countries since the new Dutch government took office in February. Just two weeks earlier, on March 13, our Foreign Minister Wang Yi had spoken with his Dutch counterpart. Within less than two weeks, the Netherlands has reached out again—clearly indicating their strong desire to improve bilateral ties.

In this conversation, our Premier made clear the following points:

First, China and the Netherlands are open, pragmatic comprehensive partners. We uphold openness and cooperation, seek practical win-win outcomes, and oppose unilateralism and protectionism—this clearly sets the tone for bilateral relations.

Second, we emphasized that China and the Netherlands are important economic and trade partners, and are willing to fully leverage mechanisms in economy, trade, and science & technology to tap deeper potential in green development and innovation.

Third, as a core member of the European Union, we hope the Netherlands will help the EU view Sino-European relations objectively and rationally, and resolve differences through dialogue and consultation.

Fourth, we look forward to further enhancing mutual trust, and pointed out that next year marks the 55th anniversary of the establishment of ambassadorial-level diplomatic relations—both sides are willing to jointly organize commemorative activities.

Dutch Prime Minister responded positively, stating:

First, the Netherlands attaches great importance to its relationship with China and is ready to strengthen high-level exchanges. Clearly, this direct statement reflects a stance markedly different from that of the previous Dutch government.

Second, the Netherlands acknowledges the direction of open, pragmatic cooperation between China and the Netherlands, and is willing to expand mutually beneficial and win-win cooperation.

Third, the Netherlands is ready to play a constructive role within the EU to promote stable development of Sino-European relations, and is also willing to jointly hold commemorative events.

Evidently, the Dutch Prime Minister’s remarks are highly significant. Under the previous administration, strained relations between China and the Netherlands—triggered by the ASM Semiconductor incident and cooperation with the U.S. in tightening export controls on lithography machines—had driven bilateral ties to an all-time low. Now, with the new Dutch Prime Minister taking office, his proactive outreach signals a clear break from the hardline policies of his predecessor. This underscores the Netherlands’ growing awareness that aligning with the U.S. to contain China is ultimately self-harming.

Following this high-level communication, it is likely that both sides will intensify contact on issues such as the ASM Semiconductor dispute and easing unreasonable restrictions on lithography equipment, potentially breaking the deadlock. From our perspective, maintaining stable economic and trade relations with the Netherlands serves our interests. And given Europe’s wavering stance toward China, we certainly welcome the Netherlands playing a positive role. Clearly, Sino-Dutch relations are warming significantly, with the Netherlands now engaging us in a more pragmatic manner.

Original source: toutiao.com/article/1860648529073418/

Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are solely those of the author.