During the China Café on 2 March in Utrecht, a highly topical and much-debated theme took center stage: investing in China. The evening was opened with warm wishes to the audience for the start of the new Year of the Fire Horse, after which the discussion shifted to the key
By Nout Wellink Introduction The recommendations of the Central Committee of the Communist Party for the formulation of the 15th Five-Year Plan (2026 – 2030) are ambitious and cover a wide area. Their ultimate relevance will depend on implementation rather than on formulated objectives, many of which – such as
In the language of businessman Trump By Jack Gerats Now that the term ‘Pax Americana’ does not seem to be in the dictionary of current US President Donald Trump and China’s global influence is increasing, a new European strategy is urgently needed, argues economist Jack Gerats. For example, by initiating
The edition of the China Café of 15 December 2025, moderated by Cindy Shao and presented by Lianne Baaij, brought rare clarity to one of the most complicated and politically charged business files in the Netherlands: the Nexperia affair. In conversation with Charles Smit, former General Counsel and Head of
By Jan van der Putten Worldwide, digital scammers are taking billions of euros out of their victims’ pockets. However, these perpetrators work as slaves for the bosses of small and large gangs. The largest gangs come from China. Dubious record In one area after another, the People’s Republic of China
Stronger Together: Celebrating 20 Years of ACIEN and 50 Years of EU–China Relations. On 27 November 2025, nearly 200 guests gathered at the Steigenberger Airport Hotel at Schiphol for the annual China Network Event, co-organised by VNC, ACIEN, and NCBC. The evening marked two major milestones: 20 years of ACIEN
by Marc Moquette In this article, Marc Moquette explains what the China Knowledge Network is and the important role it plays in Dutch and European policymaking on China and international relations. The many links in the article lead you to the referenced notes and reports for further reading and deeper
The transformation of China’s urban consumer 17 November 2025 – Brasserie De Utrechter During the China Café, organized by VNC, entitled Finger on the Urban Pulse, the attendees were given a rare and vivid insight into the perception of young urban consumers in China. Our guest was Elsbeth van Paridon,
by Bart Kuipers New élan for old ideals Donald Trump has fundamentally upset world trade in six months by unleashing a unilaterally imposed trade war. Like a number of other world leaders, he is driven by nostalgia but the past: Make America Great Again! Compare that to Xi Jinping’s goal
