Education and Science
Knowledge about China is essential to understanding how this society works. Therefore, the VNC is active in spreading information about China through our communication channels and our activities in and with schools and scientific institutions.
In addition, we pay attention to scientific collaborations between our country and China and share information on socially relevant (joint) research . The VNC brings parties together and aims to be a platform where both Dutch and Chinese students can meet and learn about each other’s cultures.
The VNC also sees itself as a platform for other organizations that play a role in spreading knowledge about China. If you have an interesting education or science related topic or event, please contact us at info@vnc-china.nl
ChinaNow+
Rare earths in the lead
by Nout Wellink In this article, Nout Wellink updates us on REE. What are REE, what role does it play in the very current trade war and how does it affect geopolitical relations? The author also discusses the historical backgrounds and which way it is going or could go. What
Shifts in Museum Studies
by R.R. Knoop “Do you know how they used to make a PowerPoint – something with glass?” a Chinese student asked me, apparently in a moment of confidence. Together with two other students, she had been assigned to me as guide and babysitter during a visit to Shandong University in
Quiz challenge for students
What fascinates you about China? Do you like to learn more about China and do you want to enthuse others about this fascinating country that is becoming increasingly important in the world? Then grab your chance now and participate in the VNC Competition, organized in collaboration with Nuffic! We challenge
Exchange at Tsinghua University, an enrichment in several ways
by Hildegard Regnerij In this article, Hildegard talks about her experience as an exchange student at Tsinghua University in Beijing February – June 2025 Tsinghua is regarded as the best university in Asia and is not only very prestigious but also a very internationally oriented research university with 22 schools
Language with character
by Floor Perquin In this column, we explore various aspects of the Chinese language. This time, it’s all about food. Floor Perquin is a Chinese interpreter, translator, and language teacher. 甜酸苦辣 Tián suān kǔ là: The Flavours of Life Sweet, sour, bitter, and spicy, life passes by at the Chinese
Searching for Harmony Between Urban and Rural in China
On the Limits of Urban Growth and the Rediscovery of the Countryside by Harry den Hartog We’ve almost forgotten the pandemic. The Shanghai lockdown three years ago (https://www.iias.asia/the-newsletter/article/temporary-dystopia-shanghai-absolute-lockdown-contain-omicron-variant) is etched into the collective memory, but no one really talks about it anymore. Yet that intense experience exposed fundamental questions –
From Welcome to Unwanted: Academic Cooperation as a Security Risk
by Robert van Kan Academic cooperation and student exchange between the Netherlands and China are under pressure. Optimism about the seemingly limitless possibilities for academic cooperation and the large supply of smart, hard-working and self-paying students and researchers has turned to concerns about espionage, influence and distrust about the true
A First Introduction to Qi
By Astrid Bouwman Inspired by the VNC invitation to the lecture on Qi, “Between Floating Clouds and Flowing Water,” I rushed through the rain to the Jungle in Amsterdam East, where the China Tea House hosted about twenty curious attendees that afternoon. As someone unfamiliar with Chinese, I had no
Journey to the East
Architecture, Innovation, and Academic Entrepreneurship in China By Martijn de Geus For ChinaNU+, Martijn de Geus, successful architect with numerous awards to his name and Associate Professor at Tsinghua University in Beijing, shares how he ended up in China and the personal and professional growth he experienced along the way.
