An independent association whose goal is knowledge about, and dialogue with, China.

An independent association whose goal is knowledge about, and dialogue with, China.

VNC Objective:

1. The purpose of the association is the dissemination of information and knowledge about China and its people.
2. It aims to contribute to the creation of understanding and knowledge about China and thereby work to develop friendly relations between the Dutch and Chinese people.
3. The association targets all sections of the population, all institutions and organizations, regardless of their political, religious or worldview views.
4. The association is an independent organization and is not affiliated with any party or group.

Context, policy plan

China’s relationship with the West and thus 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 about 2019, in recent years there has been a huge cooling off both at the political level and also in public opinion. The tensions result from developments on both sides: 1) China has become an economically powerful country and aspires to a leadership position befitting this economic power. Beijing sees a more important role for itself on the international political stage and diplomatic action has become more assertive in recent years. China is active beyond its borders with relentless influence and 3 years of self-elected covid isolation has further contributed to misunderstanding of China’s lack of intentions, to behave as a responsible global leader. 2) In the West, there has been a huge distrust of China. When China was still a “simple” country where one could have cheap production, China was fine. But with growing assertiveness and rivalry, the political choice has been to and “de-risking” the relationship with the Middle Kingdom. This is manifested in various strategies, the predominant of which is limiting China’s access to modern technologies, as well as reducing economic dependence. Growing assertiveness has also led to deteriorating public opinion. The press is a derivative of this, as well as public opinion-sensitive actions such as severing (urban) friendships. In this changing world, it is important for the VNC to clarify its role and objectives and, where possible, reveal and propagate its views.

The role of the VNC in the new reality

The association’s bylaws state that the VNC’s goal is to disseminate information and knowledge about China. This basic objective remains unchanged even in the new reality. Indeed, it should play an even more important role for the association. And that, however, requires a different role and approach for 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 U.S. and China and the Chinese stance in the war in Ukraine have contributed to a worsened public opinion in the Netherlands about China. It should be noted here that in general the level of knowledge in the Netherlands about China is limited and therefore a fear of the “unknown” and “bad” China, often fueled by somewhat one-sided press coverage, contributes to this diminished opinion about China. Meanwhile, there is also a trend of disengagement – a desire to be less dependent on China. From the Dutch government, the strategy maintains that we cooperate where we can, but that we must also be alert and not share everything with China, China as “partner,” “competitor” and “system rival.” Security and balance are central to dealing with China according to our Dutch government and of the European Union. So the complexity around China is increasing and it is the VNC’s opinion that good knowledge about China is especially important now more than before. China is too important a country to ignore, or deal with ignorantly. General
The Netherlands-China Association (VNC) bridges the cultures of the two countries and their diverse lifestyles and ways of thinking. The VNC has been a link between the Netherlands and China since 1977. The objective of the association is to promote contacts between the two countries. The VNC informs interested parties about Chinese society and organizes a variety of activities to strengthen the relationship between the two countries. The VNC is a Dutch organization, not tied to any social or political movement and operating 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 center is located in The Hague. The activities organized by the VNC are very diverse. From a briefing between peers, to a master class at the Fair and a screening or premiere of a film. But also organizing a cultural event such as the National Chinese New Year with the cultural exchanges between music groups, artists, study groups and administrators, workshops and exhibitions, are among the possibilities the VNC can offer.

VNC Objectives
The objective of the association is the dissemination of information and knowledge about China and its people.
It aims to contribute to the creation of understanding of and knowledge about China and thereby work towards the development of friendly relations between the Dutch and Chinese people.
The association is aimed at all sections of the population, all institutions and organizations, regardless of their political, religious or worldview views. The association is an independent organization and is not affiliated with any party or group. The Board
With so many activities, managing the association is sometimes not an easy task. In doing so, it sometimes seems that there seems to be no end to what the directors have to do. The question arises, to what extent can you then ask board members to go the extra mile. In the VNC this is certainly the case; without active directors and working groups, the association is not going to live.

The board of the Association Netherlands China (VNC) consists of seven members. By statute, the association board consists of a minimum of five and a maximum of nine members. All board members are voluntarily and unpaid associated with the VNC and receive only a reimbursement for expenses incurred. Context
China’s relationship with the West and thus 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 toward China. Whereas China was generally viewed and appreciated positively until about 2019, in recent years there has been a huge cooling off both at the political level and also in public opinion. The tensions result from developments on both sides: -China has become an economically strong country and aspires to a leadership position befitting this economic power. Beijing sees a more important role for itself on the international political stage and diplomatic action has become more assertive in recent years. China is active beyond its borders with relentless influence and three years of self-elected covid isolation has further contributed to misunderstanding of China’s lack of intentions, to behave as a responsible global leader. -In the West, a distrust of China has developed. When China was still a “simple” country where one could have cheap production, China was fine. But with growing assertiveness and rivalry, the political choice has been to and “de-risking” of the relationship with the Middle Kingdom. This is manifested in various strategies, the predominant of which is limiting China’s access to modern technologies, as well as reducing economic dependence. Growing assertiveness has also led to deteriorating public opinion. The press is a derivative of this, as well as public opinion-sensitive actions such as severing (urban) friendship ties.

In this changing world, it is important for the VNC to clarify its role and objectives and, where possible, reveal and propagate its views. The role of the VNC in the new reality
The association’s bylaws state that the VNC’s goal is to disseminate information and knowledge about China. This basic objective remains unchanged in the new reality as well.


Indeed, this should play an even more important role for the association. And that, however, requires a different role and approach for the VNC. In light of the new political relations between China and the rest of the world, more is needed. Tensions between the U.S. and China and the Chinese stance in the war in Ukraine have contributed to a changed public opinion in the Netherlands about China. It should be noted that, in general, the level of knowledge in the Netherlands about China is limited and therefore a fear often fueled by somewhat one-sided press coverage contributes to opinion about China. The complexity surrounding China is thus increasing and it is the VNC’s opinion that good knowledge about China is more important precisely now than before. China is too important a country to ignore, or deal with ignorantly.

Activities those bleed from these policy intentions -Promote constructive dialogue and interaction with the Chinese community

strengthen in NL -Strengthen and renew VNC Membership -Strengthen regional chapters, achieve distribution -Promote and propagate art and cultural activities

-Encourage better connection of culture and economy -China Now redefine to digital edition

-Developing the China Café

Promote from constructive Strengthen dialogue and interaction with the Chinese community in NL

Despite changing geopolitical relations, there is an ever-increasing economic interdependence.

With a daily trade volume of nearly 1 billion euros between China and Europe, China was the third largest partner for EU exports of goods (9.0%) and the largest partner for EU imports of goods (20.8%) in 2022. Among EU member states, the Netherlands was the largest importer of goods from China in 2022.

The Netherlands benefits relatively from Chinese trade in terms of exports and employment. Trade with China also enables Dutch and European producers to better compete in the global market. In concrete terms, China’s integration into the global economy is boosting the Netherlands’ exports abroad by 2.6%.

Cooperation between Dutch/European and Chinese knowledge institutions has also contributed to Dutch innovation and earning capacity, the acquisition of talent and knowledge, and to the exchange of technologies and ideas for the joint societal challenges of today and tomorrow. Here it remains necessary to strike the right balance between risks and opportunities. There is also a growing number of Chinese companies and workers coming to our country. The relationship between NL-China is under pressure and therefore knowledge and dialogue are needed precisely now.
The VNC should more actively profile itself as the main association in the Netherlands responsible for creating understanding about each other’s position and culture.

VNC Membership strengthen and renew

If it is the ambition of the VNC to be a leading China-focused organization in the Netherlands, it is important to build stronger ties with the Chinese community in NL. This means identifying the leading organizations and individuals in this community and where possible actively developing policies for and with them and creating alliances.

In the new geopolitical world, it is important for the VNC, based on its renewed social role, to also review its membership and the reason for membership.Thus, it is important to ensure the future of the VNC by bringing more young people into the organization.

It is also important to attract more Chinese members and assign a role.

Strengthen regional departments, spread accomplish

In the past, the VNC had regional chapters, but these are often no longer active. The board suggests actively recruiting members in the regions and including events in the calendar that take place outside the Randstad. It is also important to take stock of the various organizations and discuss with them whether these organizations are interested in joining under the VNC banner to develop policies and activities as regional VNC chapters. In the current climate, the VNC believes that stronger cooperation between different groups can better contribute to the goals the VNC is pursuing, and at the same time the board sees the importance of not organizing everything in or from the Randstad but also strengthening activities in the regions.

Art and cultureactivities promote and broadcasting

The strength of the VNC has historically been the propagation of Chinese culture in the Netherlands, whether or not combining art & culture with business interests.In the new reality, it is important that the VNC not lose sight of this historical role. True, there is currently less interest in China and its culture among the Dutch population, but culture can and should continue to play a role in bridging the knowledge gap.

Encourage from a better link from culture and economy

While cultural exchange has always been central to the VNC, with increasing economic interdependence, the new reality also calls for a more active approach to economic relations between China and the Netherlands. In the past, the VNC has focused on mediating between Chinese and Dutch parties with the aim of strengthening economic ties and stimulating mutual economic growth. The post-covid era shows that we are being approached more often for sound activities and sees a role for this as well. The association will actively strengthen its relations with other parties in this area, such as with economic development teams of embassies and ministries in the Netherlands and abroad, industry, or employer organizations and other parties that also focus on strengthening economic relations between the Netherlands and China.Redefining China Nu into a digital publication Our periodical “China Nu”, published four times a year, has played an important role in spreading knowledge about China and its culture since before the VNC was founded. The magazine is generally highly appreciated and contains interesting information not available elsewhere. Anno 2023, it was decided to convert China Nu to digital form, as the cost was too much of a burden on the budget. As of January 1, 2024, in accordance with the decision of the General Assembly (dated May 13, 2023), the rates were adjusted for the first time since 2012 due to increased costs. The new digital edition of China Now is in line with current times and allows for greater reach. The new digital edition will be released in the second half of the first quarter.

Building out the China Cafe

The China Café is currently organized four times a year. Each time with a topical speaker and extensive 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 followers. A permanent location has been identified for the China Cafe, “Stadsbrasserie de Utrechter” centrally located in the Netherlands.

General

The Netherlands-China Association (VNC) bridges the cultures of the two countries and their diverse lifestyles and ways of thinking. The VNC has been a link between the Netherlands and China since 1977. The objective of the association is to promote contacts between the two countries. The VNC informs interested parties about Chinese society and organizes a variety of activities to strengthen the relationship between the two countries. The VNC is a Dutch organization, not tied to any social or political movement and operating 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 center is located in The Hague. The activities organized by the VNC are very diverse. From a briefing between peers, to a master class at the Fair, to a screening or premiere of a film. But also organizing a cultural event such as the National Chinese New Year with the cultural exchanges between music groups, artists, study groups and administrators, workshops and exhibitions, are among the possibilities the VNC can offer.

VNC Objective

The aim of the association is the dissemination of information and knowledge about China and its people.
It aims to contribute to the creation of understanding of and knowledge about China and thereby work to develop friendly relations between the Dutch and Chinese people.
The association is aimed at all sections of the population, all institutions and organizations, regardless of their political, religious or worldview views. The association is an independent organization and is not affiliated with any party or group.

The Board

With so many activities, governing the association is sometimes not an easy task. In doing so, it sometimes seems that there is no end to what the board members have to do. The question arises, to what extent can you then ask board members to go the extra mile. In the VNC this is certainly the case; without active directors and working groups, the association is not going to live. The board of the Association Netherlands China (VNC) consists of seven members. By statute, the association board consists of a minimum of five and a maximum of nine members. All board members are voluntary and unpaid members of the VNC and receive only reimbursement for expenses incurred.

Context

China’s relationship with the West and thus 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 about 2019, in recent years there has been a huge cooling off both at the political level and also in public opinion. The tensions result from developments on both sides: -China has become an economically powerful country and aspires to a leadership position befitting this economic power. Beijing sees a more important role for itself on the international political stage and diplomatic action has become more assertive in recent years. China is active beyond its borders with relentless influence and three years of self-elected covid isolation has further contributed to misunderstanding of China’s lack of intentions, to behave as a responsible global leader. -In the West, a distrust of China has developed. When China was still a “simple” country where one could have cheap production, China was fine. But with growing assertiveness and rivalry, the political choice has been to and “de-risking” of the relationship with the Middle Kingdom. This is manifested in various strategies, the predominant of which is limiting China’s access to modern technologies, as well as reducing economic dependence. Growing assertiveness has also led to deteriorating public opinion. The press is a derivative of this, as well as public opinion-sensitive actions such as the breaking of (urban) friendship ties.
In this changing world, it is important for the VNC to clarify its role and objectives and, where possible, to disclose and communicate its views.

The role of the VNC in the new reality

The association’s bylaws state that the VNC’s goal is to disseminate information and knowledge about China. This basic objective remains unchanged even in the new reality.
Indeed, this should play an even more important role for the association. And that, however, requires a different role and approach for the VNC. More is needed in light of the new political relations between China and the rest of the world. Tensions between the U.S. and China and the Chinese stance in the war in Ukraine have contributed to a changed public opinion in the Netherlands about China. It should be noted that, in general, the level of knowledge in the Netherlands about China is limited and therefore a fear often fueled by somewhat one-sided press coverage contributes to opinion about China. The complexity surrounding China is thus increasing and it is the VNC’s opinion that good knowledge about China is more important precisely now than before. China is too important a country to ignore, or deal with ignorantly.

Activities those bleed from these policy intentions -Promote constructive dialogue and interaction with the Chinese community in NL strengthen -Strengthen and renew UNC Membership -Strengthen regional chapters, achieve distribution -Promote and propagate art and cultural activities

-Encourage better connection of culture and economy -China Now redefine to digital edition

-Developing the China Café

Promote from constructive Strengthen dialogue and interaction with the Chinese community in NL

Despite changing geopolitical relations, there is an ever-increasing economic interdependence.

With a daily trade volume of nearly 1 billion euros between China and Europe, China was the third largest partner for EU exports of goods (9.0%) and the largest partner for EU imports of goods (20.8%) in 2022. Among EU member states, the Netherlands was the largest importer of goods from China in 2022.

The Netherlands benefits relatively from Chinese trade in terms of exports and employment. Trade with China also enables Dutch and European producers to better compete in the global market. In concrete terms, China’s integration into the global economy is generating 2.6% more exports from the Netherlands abroad.

Cooperation between Dutch/European and Chinese knowledge institutions has also contributed to Dutch innovation and earning capacity, the acquisition of talent and knowledge, and to the exchange of technologies and ideas for the joint societal challenges of today and tomorrow. Here it remains necessary to strike the right balance between risks and opportunities. There is also a growing number of Chinese companies and workers coming to our country. The relationship between NL-China is under pressure and therefore knowledge and dialogue are needed precisely now.
The VNC should more actively profile itself as the main association in the Netherlands responsible for creating understanding about each other’s position and culture.

VNC Membership strengthen and renew

If it is the ambition of the VNC to be a leading China-focused organization in the Netherlands, it is important to build stronger ties with the Chinese community in NL. This means identifying the leading organizations and individuals in this community and where possible actively developing policies for and with them and creating alliances.

In the new geopolitical world, it is important for the VNC, based on its renewed social role, to also review its membership and the reason for membership.Thus, it is important to ensure the future of the VNC by bringing more young people into the organization.

It is also important to attract more Chinese members and assign a role.

Strengthen regional departments, spread accomplish

In the past, the VNC had regional chapters, but these are often no longer active. The board suggests actively recruiting members in the regions and including events in the calendar that take place outside the Randstad. It is also important to take stock of the various organizations and discuss with them whether these organizations are interested in joining under the VNC banner to develop policies and activities as regional VNC chapters. In the current climate, the VNC believes that stronger cooperation between different groups can better contribute to the goals the VNC is pursuing, and at the same time the board sees the importance of not organizing everything in or from the Randstad but also strengthening activities in the regions.

Art and cultureactivities promote and broadcasting

The strength of the VNC has historically been the propagation of Chinese culture in the Netherlands, whether or not combining art & culture with business interests.In the new reality, it is important that the VNC not lose sight of this historical role. True, there is currently less interest in China and its culture among the Dutch population, but culture can and should continue to play a role in bridging the knowledge gap.

Encourage from a better link from culture and economy

While cultural exchange has always been central to the VNC, with increasing economic interdependence, the new reality also calls for a more active approach to economic relations between China and the Netherlands. In the past, the VNC has focused on mediating between Chinese and Dutch parties with the aim of strengthening economic ties and stimulating mutual economic growth. The post-covid era shows that we are being approached more often for sound activities and sees a role for this as well. The association will actively strengthen its relations with other parties in this area, such as with economic development teams of embassies and ministries in the Netherlands and abroad, industry, or employer organizations and other parties that also focus on strengthening economic relations between the Netherlands and China.Redefining China Nu to digital edition
Our four-times-a-year periodical “China Nu” has played an important role in spreading knowledge about China and its culture since before the VNC was founded. The magazine is generally highly appreciated and contains interesting information not available elsewhere. Anno 2023, it was decided to convert China Nu to digital form, as the cost was too much of a burden on the budget. As of January 1, 2024, in accordance with the decision of the General Assembly (dated May 13, 2023), the rates were adjusted for the first time since 2012 due to increased costs. The new digital edition of China Now is in line with current times and allows for greater reach. The new digital edition will be released in the second half of the first quarter.

Building out the China Cafe

The China Café is currently organized four times a year. Each time with a topical speaker and extensive 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 followers. A permanent location has been identified for the China Cafe, “Stadsbrasserie de Utrechter” centrally located in the Netherlands.

Statutes of the VNC

Download the bylaws in PDF form here.