Administrative details of the association:
- Burg van Karnebeeklaan 6
- 2585BB The Hague
- Legal entity: Association with full legal capacity
- Chamber of Commerce no. 40530313
- RSIN/ Fiscal number 0044 85 397
- Website: www.vnc-china.nl
- Email: info@vnc-china.nl
“VNC Objective:
1. The association aims to disseminate information and knowledge about China and its people.
2. It wants to contribute to the understanding of and knowledge about China and thereby work towards developing friendly relations between the Dutch and Chinese people.
3. The association targets all segments of the population, all institutions, and organisations, regardless of their political, religious, or philosophical views.
4. The association is an independent organisation and is not bound to any party or group. The relationship between China and the West, including Europe and the Netherlands, is under pressure. Geopolitical tensions resulting from China’s rising economic and consequent political power are leading to a different attitude towards China. Whereas China was generally viewed and appreciated positively until around 2019, recent years have seen a significant cooling off at both the political level and in public opinion.
The tensions are the result of developments on both sides:
1) China has become an economically strong country and aspires to a leadership position commensurate with this economic power. Beijing sees a more significant role for itself on the international political stage, and diplomacy has become more assertive in recent years. China is active beyond its borders with relentless influence, and three years of self-chosen COVID isolation have further contributed to a lack of understanding regarding China’s intentions to act as a responsible global leader.
2) In the West, enormous distrust towards China has emerged. When China was still a “simple” country where production could be outsourced cheaply, China was fine. But with growing assertiveness and rivalry, there has been a political choice for “de-risking” the relationship with the Middle Kingdom. This manifests in various strategies, dominated by limiting China’s access to modern technologies and reducing economic dependence. The growing assertiveness has also led to deteriorated public opinion. The press is a derivative of this, as are public opinion-sensitive actions such as severing (city) friendship ties.
In this changing world, it is important that the VNC clarifies its role and objectives and, where possible, discloses and promotes its positions. The association’s statutes stipulate that the VNC aims to disseminate information and knowledge about China. This basic objective remains unchanged in the new reality.
Indeed, this should play an even more important role for the association. However, this requires a different role and approach from the VNC. For decades, our role was focused on spreading “friendship” between the Netherlands and China, and the VNC has done this successfully. In light of the new political relations between China and the rest of the world, more is needed. Tensions between the US and China, and the Chinese stance on the war in Ukraine, have contributed to a deteriorated public opinion about China in the Netherlands.
It should be noted here that, generally, the level of knowledge about China in the Netherlands is limited. Therefore, fear of the “unknown” and “bad” China, often fueled by somewhat one-sided reporting in the press, contributes to this diminished opinion about China.
Meanwhile, there is also a trend of decoupling – a desire to be less dependent on China. The Dutch government maintains the strategy that we cooperate where possible, but we must also be alert and cannot share everything with China, viewing China as a “partner,” “competitor,” and “systemic rival.” Security and balance are central to dealings with China, according to our Dutch government and the European Union.
The complexity surrounding China is thus increasing, and it is the VNC’s opinion that good knowledge about China is now more important than ever. China is too important a country to ignore or deal with out of ignorance.
General
The Netherlands China Association (VNC) builds a bridge between the cultures of both countries and their diverse lifestyles and ways of thinking. Since 1977, the VNC has formed a link between the Netherlands and China. The association’s objective is to promote contacts between the two countries. The VNC informs interested parties about Chinese society and organises various activities to strengthen the relationship between both countries.
The VNC is a Dutch organisation, not bound to any social or political movement, and acts from an independent, neutral position. The VNC works exclusively with volunteers and consists of members and corporate members. Anyone interested in Chinese culture and society can become a member. Corporate membership applies to companies, institutions, municipalities, and provinces that have contacts in China. The VNC office, with an extensive information and documentation centre, is located in The Hague.
The activities organised by the VNC are very diverse. From a briefing among professionals to a masterclass at the Stock Exchange and a screening or premiere of a film. But organising cultural events such as the National Chinese New Year with cultural exchanges between music groups, artists, study groups and administrators, workshops, and exhibitions are also among the possibilities the VNC can offer.
VNC Objective
The association aims to disseminate information and knowledge about China and its people.
It wants to contribute to the understanding of and knowledge about China and thereby work towards developing friendly relations between the Dutch and Chinese people.
The association targets all segments of the population, all institutions, and organisations, regardless of their political, religious, or philosophical views. The association is an independent organisation and is not bound to any party or group.
The Board
With so many activities, managing the association is sometimes not an easy task. It sometimes seems that there is no end to what the board members have to do. The question arises, to what extent can you ask board members to put in extra effort? In the VNC, this is certainly the case; without active board members and working groups, the association will not thrive. The board of the Netherlands China Association (VNC) consists of seven members. According to the statutes, the association board consists of a minimum of five and a maximum of nine members. All board members are voluntarily and unpaidly associated with the VNC and only receive reimbursement for incurred expenses.
Context
The relationship between China and the West, including Europe and the Netherlands, is under pressure. Geopolitical tensions resulting from China’s rising economic and consequent political power are leading to a different attitude towards China. Whereas China was generally viewed and appreciated positively until around 2019, recent years have seen a significant cooling off at both the political level and in public opinion.
The tensions are the result of developments on both sides:
-China has become an economically strong country and aspires to a leadership position commensurate with this economic power. Beijing sees a more significant role for itself on the international political stage, and diplomacy has become more assertive in recent years. China is active beyond its borders with relentless influence, and three years of self-chosen COVID isolation have further contributed to a lack of understanding regarding China’s intentions to act as a responsible global leader.
-In the West, distrust towards China has emerged. When China was still a “simple” country where production could be outsourced cheaply, China was fine. But with growing assertiveness and rivalry, there has been a political choice for “de-risking” the relationship with the Middle Kingdom. This manifests in various strategies, dominated by limiting China’s access to modern technologies and reducing economic dependence. The growing assertiveness has also led to deteriorated public opinion. The press is a derivative of this, as are public opinion-sensitive actions such as severing (city) friendship ties. In this changing world, it is important that the VNC clarifies its role and objectives and, where possible, discloses and promotes its positions.
The role of the VNC in the new reality
The association’s statutes stipulate that the VNC aims to disseminate information and knowledge about China. This basic objective remains unchanged in the new reality.
Indeed, this should play an even more important role for the association. However, this requires a different role and approach from the VNC. In light of the new political relations between China and the rest of the world, more is needed. Tensions between the US and China, and the Chinese stance on the war in Ukraine, have contributed to a changed public opinion about China in the Netherlands. It should be noted here that, generally, the level of knowledge about China in the Netherlands is limited, and therefore, fear often fueled by somewhat one-sided reporting in the press contributes to the opinion about China. The complexity surrounding China is thus increasing, and it is the VNC’s opinion that good knowledge about China is now more important than ever. China is too important a country to ignore or deal with out of ignorance.
Activities arising from these policy intentions
-Promote constructive dialogue and strengthen interaction with the Chinese community in NL
-Strengthen and renew VNC Membership
-Strengthen regional branches, achieve distribution
-Promote and disseminate arts and cultural activities
-Stimulate a better connection between culture and economy
-Redefine China Nu into a digital publication
-Expand the China Café
Promote constructive dialogue and strengthen interaction with the Chinese community in NL
Despite the changing geopolitical relations, there is still an ever-increasing economic mutual dependence.
With a daily trade volume of nearly 1 billion euros between China and Europe, China was the third-largest partner for EU goods exports (9.0%) and the largest partner for EU goods imports (20.8%) in 2022. Among EU member states, the Netherlands was the largest importer of goods from China in 2022.
The Netherlands benefits relatively much from Chinese trade in terms of exports and employment. Trade with China also enables Dutch and European producers to compete better on the global market. In concrete terms, the integration of China into the world economy leads to 2.6% more exports from the Netherlands abroad.
Collaboration between Dutch/European and Chinese knowledge institutions has also contributed to Dutch innovation and earning capacity, the acquisition of talent and knowledge, and the exchange of technologies and ideas for the joint societal challenges of today and tomorrow. It remains necessary to find a good balance between the risks and opportunities. There is also a growing number of Chinese companies and employees coming to our country. The relationship between NL-China is under pressure, and therefore, there is now a need for knowledge and dialogue.
The VNC must actively profile itself as the leading association in the Netherlands responsible for creating understanding about each other’s positions and cultures.
Strengthen and renew VNC Membership
If it is the ambition of the VNC to be a leading China-focused organisation in the Netherlands, it is important to build a stronger bond with the Chinese community in NL. This means identifying the leading organisations and individuals in this community and, where possible, actively developing policy for and with them, and creating alliances.
In the new geopolitical world, it is important that the VNC, based on its renewed societal role, also reviews its membership and the reason for membership. For example, it is important to secure the future of the VNC by bringing more young people into the organisation.
It is also important to attract more Chinese members and assign them a role.
Strengthen regional branches, achieve distribution
In the past, the VNC had regional branches, but these are often no longer active. The board proposes actively recruiting members in the regions and including events in the calendar that take place outside the Randstad area. Additionally, it is important to inventory the various organisations and consult with them whether these organisations are interested in joining under the VNC banner to develop policy and undertake activities as a regional VNC branch. In the current climate, the VNC believes that stronger cooperation between different groups can better contribute to the objectives pursued by the VNC. At the same time, the board sees the importance of not organising everything in or from the Randstad but also strengthening activities in the regions.
Promote and disseminate arts and cultural activities
The strength of the VNC has historically been the promotion of Chinese culture in the Netherlands, whether or not in combination of arts & culture with business interests. In the new reality, it is important that the VNC does not lose sight of this historical role. Although there is currently less interest in China and its culture among the Dutch population, culture can and must continue to play a role in bridging the knowledge gap.
Stimulate a better connection between culture and economy
Although cultural exchange has always been central to the VNC, with increasing economic interconnectedness, the new reality also demands a more active approach to the economic relations between China and the Netherlands. The VNC has previously focused on mediating between Chinese and Dutch parties aiming to strengthen economic ties and stimulate mutual economic growth. The post-COVID era shows that we are more often approached for such activities and sees a role for this as well. The association will actively strengthen its relationships with other parties in this field, such as economic development teams of embassies and ministries in the Netherlands and abroad, industry or employer organisations, and other parties also focused on strengthening economic relations between the Netherlands and China.
Redefine China Nu into a digital publication
Our quarterly periodical “China Nu” has played an important role in disseminating knowledge about China and its culture since before the establishment of the VNC. The magazine is generally highly valued and contains interesting information not available elsewhere. In 2023, it was decided to convert China Nu into digital form, as the costs put too much pressure on the budget. As of January 1, 2024, the rates were adjusted for the first time since 2012 due to increased costs, in accordance with the decision of the General Members’ Meeting (dated May 13, 2023). The new digital edition of China Nu aligns with current times and makes it possible to achieve a greater reach. The new digital edition will be released in the second half of the first quarter.
Expand the China Café
The China Café is currently organised four times a year. Always featuring a speaker on current affairs and ample opportunity for networking in an informal setting (grand café). On average, the China Café attracts 40 to 70 visitors, mostly from the business world, but also students, academics, and other China watchers. A permanent location has been identified for the China Cafe, “Stadsbrasserie de Utrechter,” centrally located in the Netherlands.
General
The Netherlands China Association (VNC) builds a bridge between the cultures of both countries and their diverse lifestyles and ways of thinking. Since 1977, the VNC has formed a link between the Netherlands and China. The association’s objective is to promote contacts between the two countries. The VNC informs interested parties about Chinese society and organises various activities to strengthen the relationship between both countries.
The VNC is a Dutch organisation, not bound to any social or political movement, and acts from an independent, neutral position. The VNC works exclusively with volunteers and consists of members and corporate members. Anyone interested in Chinese culture and society can become a member. Corporate membership applies to companies, institutions, municipalities, and provinces that have contacts in China. The VNC office, with an extensive information and documentation centre, is located in The Hague.
The activities organised by the VNC are very diverse. From a briefing among professionals to a masterclass at the Stock Exchange and a screening or premiere of a film. But organising cultural events such as the National Chinese New Year with cultural exchanges between music groups, artists, study groups and administrators, workshops, and exhibitions are also among the possibilities the VNC can offer.
VNC Objective
The association aims to disseminate information and knowledge about China and its people.
It wants to contribute to the understanding of and knowledge about China and thereby work towards developing friendly relations between the Dutch and Chinese people.
The association targets all segments of the population, all institutions, and organisations, regardless of their political, religious, or philosophical views. The association is an independent organisation and is not bound to any party or group.
The Board
With so many activities, managing the association is sometimes not an easy task. It sometimes seems that there is no end to what the board members have to do. The question arises, to what extent can you ask board members to put in extra effort? In the VNC, this is certainly the case; without active board members and working groups, the association will not thrive. The board of the Netherlands China Association (VNC) consists of seven members. According to the statutes, the association board consists of a minimum of five and a maximum of nine members. All board members are voluntarily and unpaidly associated with the VNC and only receive reimbursement for incurred expenses.
Context
The relationship between China and the West, including Europe and the Netherlands, is under pressure. Geopolitical tensions resulting from China’s rising economic and consequent political power are leading to a different attitude towards China. Whereas China was generally viewed and appreciated positively until around 2019, recent years have seen a significant cooling off at both the political level and in public opinion.
The tensions are the result of developments on both sides:
-China has become an economically strong country and aspires to a leadership position commensurate with this economic power. Beijing sees a more significant role for itself on the international political stage, and diplomacy has become more assertive in recent years. China is active beyond its borders with relentless influence, and three years of self-chosen COVID isolation have further contributed to a lack of understanding regarding China’s intentions to act as a responsible global leader.
-In the West, distrust towards China has emerged. When China was still a “simple” country where production could be outsourced cheaply, China was fine. But with growing assertiveness and rivalry, there has been a political choice for “de-risking” the relationship with the Middle Kingdom. This manifests in various strategies, dominated by limiting China’s access to modern technologies and reducing economic dependence. The growing assertiveness has also led to deteriorated public opinion. The press is a derivative of this, as are public opinion-sensitive actions such as severing (city) friendship ties.
In this changing world, it is important that the VNC clarifies its role and objectives and, where possible, discloses and promotes its positions.
The role of the VNC in the new reality
The association’s statutes stipulate that the VNC aims to disseminate information and knowledge about China. This basic objective remains unchanged in the new reality.
Indeed, this should play an even more important role for the association. However, this requires a different role and approach from the VNC. In light of the new political relations between China and the rest of the world, more is needed. Tensions between the US and China, and the Chinese stance on the war in Ukraine, have contributed to a changed public opinion about China in the Netherlands. It should be noted here that, generally, the level of knowledge about China in the Netherlands is limited, and therefore, fear often fueled by somewhat one-sided reporting in the press contributes to the opinion about China. The complexity surrounding China is thus increasing, and it is the VNC’s opinion that good knowledge about China is now more important than ever. China is too important a country to ignore or deal with out of ignorance.
Activities arising from these policy intentions
-Promote constructive dialogue and strengthen interaction with the Chinese community in NL
-Strengthen and renew VNC Membership
-Strengthen regional branches, achieve distribution
-Promote and disseminate arts and cultural activities
-Stimulate a better connection between culture and economy
-Redefine China Nu into a digital publication
-Expand the China Café
Promote constructive dialogue and strengthen interaction with the Chinese community in NL
Despite the changing geopolitical relations, there is still an ever-increasing economic mutual dependence.
With a daily trade volume of nearly 1 billion euros between China and Europe, China was the third-largest partner for EU goods exports (9.0%) and the largest partner for EU goods imports (20.8%) in 2022. Among EU member states, the Netherlands was the largest importer of goods from China in 2022.
The Netherlands benefits relatively much from Chinese trade in terms of exports and employment. Trade with China also enables Dutch and European producers to compete better on the global market. In concrete terms, the integration of China into the world economy leads to 2.6% more exports from the Netherlands abroad.
Collaboration between Dutch/European and Chinese knowledge institutions has also contributed to Dutch innovation and earning capacity, the acquisition of talent and knowledge, and the exchange of technologies and ideas for the joint societal challenges of today and tomorrow. It remains necessary to find a good balance between the risks and opportunities. There is also a growing number of Chinese companies and employees coming to our country. The relationship between NL-China is under pressure, and therefore, there is now a need for knowledge and dialogue.
The VNC must actively profile itself as the leading association in the Netherlands responsible for creating understanding about each other’s positions and cultures.
Strengthen and renew VNC Membership
If it is the ambition of the VNC to be a leading China-focused organisation in the Netherlands, it is important to build a stronger bond with the Chinese community in NL. This means identifying the leading organisations and individuals in this community and, where possible, actively developing policy for and with them, and creating alliances.
In the new geopolitical world, it is important that the VNC, based on its renewed societal role, also reviews its membership and the reason for membership. For example, it is important to secure the future of the VNC by bringing more young people into the organisation.
It is also important to attract more Chinese members and assign them a role.
Strengthen regional branches, achieve distribution
In the past, the VNC had regional branches, but these are often no longer active. The board proposes actively recruiting members in the regions and including events in the calendar that take place outside the Randstad area. Additionally, it is important to inventory the various organisations and consult with them whether these organisations are interested in joining under the VNC banner to develop policy and undertake activities as a regional VNC branch. In the current climate, the VNC believes that stronger cooperation between different groups can better contribute to the objectives pursued by the VNC. At the same time, the board sees the importance of not organising everything in or from the Randstad but also strengthening activities in the regions.
Promote and disseminate arts and cultural activities
The strength of the VNC has historically been the promotion of Chinese culture in the Netherlands, whether or not in combination of arts & culture with business interests. In the new reality, it is important that the VNC does not lose sight of this historical role. Although there is currently less interest in China and its culture among the Dutch population, culture can and must continue to play a role in bridging the knowledge gap.
Stimulate a better connection between culture and economy
Although cultural exchange has always been central to the VNC, with increasing economic interconnectedness, the new reality also demands a more active approach to the economic relations between China and the Netherlands. The VNC has previously focused on mediating between Chinese and Dutch parties aiming to strengthen economic ties and stimulate mutual economic growth. The post-COVID era shows that we are more often approached for such activities and sees a role for this as well. The association will actively strengthen its relationships with other parties in this field, such as economic development teams of embassies and ministries in the Netherlands and abroad, industry or employer organisations, and other parties also focused on strengthening economic relations between the Netherlands and China.
Redefine China Nu into a digital publication
Our quarterly periodical “China Nu” has played an important role in disseminating knowledge about China and its culture since before the establishment of the VNC. The magazine is generally highly valued and contains interesting information not available elsewhere. In 2023, it was decided to convert China Nu into digital form, as the costs put too much pressure on the budget. As of January 1, 2024, the rates were adjusted for the first time since 2012 due to increased costs, in accordance with the decision of the General Members’ Meeting (dated May 13, 2023). The new digital edition of China Nu aligns with current times and makes it possible to achieve a greater reach. The new digital edition will be released in the second half of the first quarter.
Expand the China Café
The China Café is currently organised four times a year. Always featuring a speaker on current affairs and ample opportunity for networking in an informal setting (grand café). On average, the China Café attracts 40 to 70 visitors, mostly from the business world, but also students, academics, and other China watchers. A permanent location has been identified for the China Cafe, “Stadsbrasserie de Utrechter,” centrally located in the Netherlands.
