Dutch Trade Minister Visits Beijing Amid Past Sanctions; China Sidesteps Lifting Ban Question

Liesje Schreinemacher, the Dutch Minister for Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation, has embarked on a high-profile three-day visit to China, leading a significant delegation of 17 Dutch companies. The trip, which began on July 6, includes stops in Beijing and Shanghai, with Schreinemacher scheduled to arrive in China on Tuesday.

This visit is particularly noteworthy as it represents the first time a Dutch minister has personally led a trade delegation to China since April 2018. Schreinemacher is accompanied by Coen van Oostrom, chairman of the Confederation of Netherlands Industry and Employers (VNO-NCW), and representatives from various sectors including logistics, agriculture, and high-tech industries. The delegation's objective is to further strengthen bilateral trade ties, with Schreinemacher stating that "raising concerns" is also part of the agenda.

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We will do our best to promote the interests of Dutch companies in the country.

Van Oostrom emphasized China's importance as a long-standing market for Dutch businesses and expressed eagerness to expand trade relations further. Upon her arrival in Beijing on Tuesday, Schreinemacher is set to meet with Chinese Minister of Commerce Wang Wentao. Their discussions will cover a broad range of Sino-Dutch relations and economic issues, including a joint "Bilateral Economic Joint Committee" (JEC) meeting. This ministerial-level forum, last held online in 2020, aims to deepen economic cooperation between the two nations.

The visit occurs against a backdrop of past tensions. In March 2021, China imposed sanctions on 10 European individuals and four entities, including Schreinemacher, then a member of the Dutch parliament, in retaliation for EU sanctions against officials over human rights abuses in Xinjiang. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning, when questioned about Schreinemacher's visit and potential meetings, responded evasively, stating she needed to consult relevant departments for specific details. She affirmed that China and the Netherlands are important partners and that promoting dialogue and cooperation aligns with their mutual interests.

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China is an important market for Dutch companies that have invested for decades, and it will maintain its position in the future. The business community is eager to further expand this trade relationship.