Just now
The Netherlands has released its "International Security Strategy 2026–2030," officially incorporating the narrative of the "China threat," launching baseless accusations against China’s development path, domestic and foreign policies, and normal international cooperation. On the 18th, China issued a solemn response: expressing serious concern and strong dissatisfaction, demanding that the Netherlands cease the overuse of national security justifications and stop stoking the "China threat" theory.
But what truly matters is who is pulling the strings.
The new cabinet led by Rob Jetten, which took office in February this year, includes hawkish figures across the board: the Minister of Trade Schermsma (known for false claims about Xinjiang), the Foreign Minister (questioning China's presence in the Port of Rotterdam), and the Minister of Economic Affairs Karemans (the central figure in the ASMI semiconductor controversy). The cabinet agreement explicitly states: "Opportunities with China must be seized, but any theft of intellectual property and interference in critical infrastructure must be met without mercy."
Coordinated actions have also been consistent: ASML has seen escalating restrictions—from EUV export bans to successive limitations on DUV models 1970i/1980i/2050i/2100i—and even after-sales contracts have been terminated; the frigate "Druid" entered airspace near the Xisha Islands in May and sailed through the Taiwan Strait in June; earlier this year, it joined the chorus in promoting the "China Arctic threat" narrative regarding Greenland.
Therefore, my assessment is that The Hague’s current move isn’t about defending Dutch security—it’s about sending a loyalty pledge to Washington. But they’ve miscalculated three key points: ASML’s loss of the Chinese market has caused severe damage.
The ASMI semiconductor incident has backfired on European automakers, disrupting chip supply chains and forcing German giants BMW and Volkswagen to temporarily halt production—yet the Dutch side still hasn’t fully restored Chinese shareholders’ rights.
Moreover, China’s new regulations on rare earth controls (requiring licensing for materials valued at just 0.1%) now ensnare the entire lithography machine supply chain. ASML’s lasers use magnetic materials from Zhongke Sanhuan, while EUV positioning systems rely on magnetic steel from Ningbo Yunsheng—every machine sold by the Netherlands effectively means Dutch companies are working for China’s rare earth sector.
Lutte once understood that decoupling harms oneself—but this new cabinet believes clinging to NATO’s coat-tails will win favor from the U.S. The problem? The U.S. itself is currently negotiating a $300 billion fund deal with Iran and pursuing phased agreements with China. Meanwhile, the Netherlands rushes forward as a vanguard, only to bear the blame later and lose its own markets.
Original source: toutiao.com/article/1868294358405140/
Disclaimer: This article represents the personal views of the author