China and Netherlands Pledge to Strengthen Cooperation on Global Supply Chain Stability

Beijing, The Gulf Observer: Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi announced on Thursday that China is committed to enhancing cooperation with the Netherlands to jointly safeguard the stability of global industrial and supply chains. This statement came during a phone call with the Netherlands’ new Foreign Minister, Caspar Veldkamp.

Wang Yi, who is also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, highlighted that under the guidance of their respective leaders and through mutual efforts, the open and pragmatic partnership for comprehensive cooperation between China and the Netherlands has been steadily developing. This cooperation has brought tangible benefits to both nations and has contributed to regional and global peace and development.

China places significant importance on its relationship with the Netherlands and is ready to establish close contact with the new Dutch government. Wang Yi emphasized the importance of all-round dialogue to enhance mutual understanding.

Wang also expressed China’s support for the European integration process, the European Union’s (EU) development and growth, and its adherence to strategic independence. He conveyed confidence that the Netherlands would encourage Europe to view China objectively and rationally, playing a constructive role in maintaining the sound and stable development of China-Europe relations.

In response to recent accusations made at the NATO summit in Washington, Wang Yi firmly stated that China rejects these groundless allegations. He reiterated that China is a major country with an exemplary record on peace and security issues, always acting as a force for peace and stability in the international community. He cautioned against using differences in political systems and values as a reason for NATO to incite confrontation with China. Instead, Wang advocated for strengthening dialogue, enhancing understanding, building mutual trust, and avoiding strategic miscalculation. He also urged NATO to refrain from interfering in Asia-Pacific affairs, China’s internal affairs, and from challenging China’s legitimate rights and interests.

Wang Yi confirmed that China is willing to maintain contact with NATO on the basis of equality and engage in exchanges rooted in mutual respect.

Foreign Minister Caspar Veldkamp acknowledged the strength and robustness of the current China-Netherlands relationship. He emphasized that China is an important global power and the Netherlands’ primary economic and trade partner in Asia. Veldkamp expressed that both nations should engage in mutually beneficial cooperation on various bilateral and multilateral issues. He also noted that the Netherlands does not support “decoupling” from China, and is committed to maintaining communication to develop practical China-Netherlands relations.

Veldkamp reiterated the importance of the EU-China relationship, asserting that differences should not hinder cooperation. He voiced support for developing a constructive EU-China relationship for the benefit of people worldwide. Additionally, he clarified that NATO is committed to safeguarding the security of its member states and remains a defensive organization.

Both sides exchanged views on international and regional issues of common concern during their discussion.