Qin Gang Holds Talks with Dutch Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Wopke Hoekstra
2023/05/23

On May 23, 2023, State Councilor and Foreign Minister Qin Gang held talks in Beijing with Dutch Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Wopke Hoekstra.

Noting that the Netherlands is an important cooperative partner of China in Europe, Qin Gang said that China is ready to strengthen economic, trade and investment cooperation, deepen people-to-people and cultural exchanges, and advance multilateral cooperation in arms control, cyber security and climate change with the Netherlands. China will continue to expand market access and strengthen intellectual property rights protection. China welcomes more competitive Dutch companies to expand investment in China. Qin Gang expressed the hope that the Netherlands will provide a fair, open and non-discriminatory business environment for Chinese companies.

Qin Gang stressed that as beneficiaries and supporters of economic globalization and free trade, it is of great significance for China and the Netherlands to keep developing an open and practical comprehensive cooperative partnership that goes beyond the bilateral scope. China stands ready to work with the Netherlands to jointly oppose “decoupling economies and severing supply chains”, prevent the fragmentation of international trade, keep global industrial and supply chains stable, uphold WTO rules, and boost world economic recovery.

Qin Gang pointed out that China always regards Europe as a comprehensive strategic partner and supports Europe in upholding its strategic autonomy and playing an important role in the world. China is glad to see the Netherlands play a more important role in EU affairs. Qin Gang expressed the hope that the Netherlands will continue to play its role as the “gateway” for China-EU cooperation, encourage the EU to keep the mainstream of China-EU relations of dialogue and cooperation and the key feature of mutual benefit and win-win results, and jointly address global challenges.

Qin Gang said that China’s position on the Ukraine crisis is consistent. Its core stance is facilitating peace talks. At present, voices for peace, rationality and a ceasefire and end of hostilities are building. All parties should seize the opportunity to continuously strengthen the momentum for peace and accumulate favorable conditions for the political settlement of the crisis.

Hoekstra said that China is an important cooperative partner of the Netherlands, and the Netherlands has benefited a lot from bilateral cooperation. The Netherlands stays committed to the one-China policy, and is ready to work with China to uphold market principles, deepen cooperation in agriculture, innovation and other fields, expand people-to-people and cultural exchanges, and further elevate bilateral cooperation. The Dutch side pursues an independent foreign policy, supports strengthening EU-China dialogue, and is committed to serving as a bridge and facilitator of EU-China exchanges. The Netherlands stands ready to strengthen dialogue and communication with China in such areas as arms control, cyber security and artificial intelligence, jointly safeguard the international nuclear non-proliferation regime, and join hands to address climate change and other global challenges. The Netherlands appreciates China’s efforts to promote peace talks and hopes that China will play a constructive role in facilitating the peaceful settlement of the Ukraine crisis.

The two sides also exchanged in-depth views on other international and regional issues of mutual interest and concern.

After the talks, the two sides jointly met the press.