Dutch Foreign Minister Caspar Veldkamp will embark on a two-day diplomatic visit to China starting May 21, following an invitation from Wang Yi, Member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Foreign Minister. The trip marks a critical moment in EU-China relations as both nations seek to balance economic cooperation with geopolitical sensitivities.
Analysts anticipate discussions will focus on semiconductor technology collaboration – a key sector where Dutch firm ASML plays a global leadership role – alongside climate initiatives and agricultural trade. The Netherlands remains China's second-largest trading partner in the EU, with bilateral trade reaching $130 billion in 2023.
Cross-strait relations may also feature in talks, given recent Dutch statements reaffirming adherence to the one-China principle. Wang Yi previously emphasized that "the Taiwan question is at the core of China's vital interests," a position the Netherlands has historically respected in diplomatic exchanges.
The visit comes as European nations increasingly seek to de-risk rather than decouple from Chinese markets. Business leaders will watch for progress on intellectual property protections and market access commitments that could shape investment flows in advanced manufacturing sectors.
