Xi stresses irreversible trend of economic globalization to Netherlands PM Rutte
Chinese President Xi Jinping stressed that economic globalization may encounter headwinds, but the historical trend will not change, during his Wednesday meeting with visiting Prime Minister of the Netherlands Mark Rutte, and reiterated China’s commitment to mutual benefits and win-win approach.
Observers believe the high-level meeting and Rutte’s two-day working visit from Tuesday can inject positive impetus into bilateral relations and stabilize the big picture amid challenges from the Dutch export ban on chip machines to China.
Against the backdrop of mounting pressure from the US and ASML’s dilemma to run its business, the Dutch government should carefully balance the interests of different parties and remain pragmatic, analysts said, noting a country that flourished through free trade should not abandon such tradition.
Noting the Netherlands has become a veritable “gateway” for China-EU cooperation, Xi said China is ready to maintain exchanges at various levels with the Netherlands, adhere to communications and dialogue, and pursue mutual benefits and win-win results, according to the Xinhua News Agency.
There is no way out for “decoupling and derisking,” and open cooperation is the only choice, Xi said.
Rutte said that “decoupling” is not the policy option of Dutch government, as actions harming China’s development interests will ultimately hurt the Netherlands.
Zhao Junjie, a research fellow at the Institute of European Studies of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, told the Global Times on Wednesday that the Dutch government is walking a tightrope, as pressure from the US is mounting while ASML is demanding more support for its business.
The chip machine giant has threatened to leave the Netherlands, citing anti-migration policies. Observers believe export bans imposed under US pressure will also cast a shadow over the company’s performance and add to the push.
Zhao pointed out that the bans not only harm the semiconductor giant and jeopardize ChinaNetherlands trade cooperation and economic ties, but also put a question mark on the country’s business climate.
China has granted Dutch citizens visa-free status for short trips since December 1, 2023 to facilitate personnel exchanges. Rutte on Wednesday also visited the prestigious Peking University and communicated with students.