Our chair, Monique Knapen, recently visited China as part of a two-week table tennis clinic, a joint project between VNC and Bettine Vriesekoop. In between, she held meetings in Shanghai, Beijing, and Nanjing with Chinese organizations to reactivate existing contacts. These inspiring encounters opened new doors for cooperation between the Netherlands and China.
People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (PAFFC)
In Shanghai, VNC met with Chen Jing, president of PAFFC. They looked back on the successful table tennis event held in Shanghai and discussed new joint activities. We have already received an invitation to a conference on riverside urban development, organized together with East China Normal University this October. We hope to share more about this soon.
Shanghai Women’s Federation
Also in Shanghai, VNC visited the Shanghai Women’s Federation, where Vice President Wang Jianzhang spoke about the federation’s work and reflected on their recent visit to the Netherlands.
China People’s Institute of Foreign Affairs (CPIFA)
In Beijing, VNC met with Vice President Yang Tao of CPIFA to discuss the start of a new collaboration between the Netherlands and China, with VNC and CPIFA taking a leading role. The focus will be on a Young Leadership program, a multi-year initiative built on close cooperation. Exchange of ideas and alumni networks will play a key role. The program aligns with similar initiatives in other European countries, bringing generations together to learn, connect, and inspire.
Jiangsu People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (JPAFFC)
In Nanjing, Monique Knapen visited JPAFFC, where VNC and Vice President Qian Wenhua signed a Memorandum of Understanding. VNC will contribute to further strengthening the friendship between the Dutch province of North Brabant and China’s Jiangsu province, with activities aligned with our association’s mission. The first joint event with JPAFFC will take place during the upcoming Dutch Design Week in Eindhoven. This event will also be open to VNC members, offering an opportunity to meet members of a Jiangsu delegation.
Through these meetings, VNC is building a strong foundation for sustainable exchange, friendship, and joint growth between the Netherlands and China.
