Tensions flare as Dutch Foreign minister meets Chinese counterpart

The latest Dutch annual security report that called China the “biggest threat” to Dutch security prompted harsh criticism from Chinese Foreign Minister Qin Gang, who called the allegations “made-up” at a joint press conference with his Dutch counterpart Wopke Hoekstra (CDA/EPP) in Beijing on Tuesday.

In April, the Dutch secret service AIVD released its annual national security report for 2022, in which it said China poses a threat, particularly in semiconductor technology. This elicited harsh criticism from Chinese officials, who accused the Dutch of having a ‘cold war mentality’.

“If we are the biggest threat to economic security, how can we be the Netherlands’ biggest trading partner outside the EU? That is contradictory,” Gang stated during the press conference.

Gang also did not spare the Dutch secret service with criticism, saying that “they sit in dark rooms and cannot be controlled”.

“Like China, we have a responsibility to protect our national security,” Hoekstra countered, referring to Chinese cyber attacks and police stations on Dutch soil.

Earlier this year, the Dutch government introduced export controls on crucial chipmaking technology under pressure from Japan and the US, which mainly affected China.

At the time, Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation Minister Liesje Schreinemacher (VVD/Renew) explained that the restrictions were introduced due to the country fearing that its technology may be used to manufacture military applications, as well as the Netherlands aiming to reduce strategic dependencies and maintain its technological leadership.

The foreign ministers also showcased differing opinions concerning the war in Ukraine, with Gang emphasising that “a ceasefire is in everyone’s interest”. Hoekstra, meanwhile, reiterated Dutch and European support for the Ukrainian side, stating that “the Netherlands and the EU stand side by side with Ukraine,” RTL Nieuws reports.

(Benedikt Stöckl | EURACTIV.com)