Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi called on the Netherlands to jointly support free trade and safeguard the stability of global industrial and supply chains during a phone call with the Netherlands’ new Foreign Minister Caspar Veldkamp on Thursday.
Wang Yi, who is also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, emphasized China’s commitment to enhancing relations with the Netherlands. He expressed readiness to establish close contact with the new Dutch government and engage in comprehensive dialogue to deepen mutual understanding.
Addressing recent comments made about China at the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) summit in Washington, Wang Yi criticized NATO for inciting confrontation with China. He stated that differences in political systems and values should not be used as a pretext for conflict.
“NATO should stay within its bounds and refrain from interfering in Asia-Pacific affairs or China\’s internal affairs, and from challenging China\’s legitimate rights and interests,” Wang said.
He reiterated that China does not accept “groundless” accusations and highlighted China\’s record as a force for peace and stability in the international community. Wang Yi called for dialogue, mutual understanding, and trust to avoid strategic miscalculations, noting that China is willing to maintain contact with NATO based on equality and mutual respect.
Caspar Veldkamp noted that the current China-Netherlands relationship is strong and robust. He recognized China as an important global power and the Netherlands’ primary economic and trade partner in Asia. Veldkamp expressed that both countries should and can engage in mutually beneficial cooperation on a wide range of bilateral and multilateral issues.
In light of the turbulent international situation, Veldkamp stated that the Netherlands does not support “decoupling” from China and is willing to maintain communication to develop practical China-Netherlands relations. He emphasized that the EU-China relationship is crucial and that differences should not hinder cooperation. The Netherlands supports developing a constructive EU-China relationship for the benefit of people worldwide, he said.
Veldkamp added that NATO is committed to safeguarding the security of its member states and will always be a defensive organization.
The two sides also exchanged views on international and regional issues of common concern.
Reference(s):
Chinese FM calls for free trade, criticizes NATO in Dutch FM talks
cgtn.com
