On behalf of the Netherlands China Association (VNC), chair Monique Knapen, together with VNC members Robert van Kan and Frank Yang, recently held talks with members of the House of Representatives involved in the China Committee within the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs.
With these conversations, the VNC wants to contribute to the further strengthening of knowledge about China within politics and society. The association sees it as its social role to make expertise, practical experience and nuanced insights about China available to policymakers and other stakeholders.
China on the knowledge agenda of the House of Representatives
China has been on the knowledge agenda of the House of Representatives since 2023. China’s changing and growing role – economically, technologically and geopolitically – makes the topic increasingly relevant for the Netherlands and Europe.
During the strategic procedure meeting of 1 April 2026, the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs decided to include China as an important theme on the knowledge agenda again. A special preparation group was set up for this with MPs from various political parties.
In recent years, the committee has organised discussions with international experts and working visits to Berlin, London and Stockholm, among others, to gain more insight into how other countries shape their China policy.
Constructive conversations
On behalf of the VNC, first introductory meetings took place with members of the House of Representatives Tom van der Lee (PRO) and Michiel Hoogeveen (JA21). Although both politicians look at China from different political perspectives, the talks were open, constructive and in a positive atmosphere.
During the talks, the VNC presented its mission and activities. It was emphasized that many VNC members have in-depth knowledge of China from their professional and personal experience and would like to contribute to a more informed dialogue about China in the Netherlands.
Both MPs underlined the importance of dialogue, knowledge sharing and mutual understanding. The importance of organisations such as the VNC, which contribute to a nuanced image of China through social involvement, was also recognised.
The VNC looks forward to further contacts with the Parliamentary Committee and hopes to be able to make a constructive contribution to the exchange of knowledge about China in the future.
To be continued.
