Thread by @RushDoshi

Today, the Dutch government released its China strategy, which was in the works for a year. The full 100-page document hasn't been translated yet, but the summary and FM's speech on have been. They're sensible and fascinating.

A few highlights: 1/

government.nl/documents/poli…

TOO CREDULOUS: The FM argues that the Dutch should not fear China, but adds that "perhaps we’ve sometimes been too innocent and credulous in the past." 2/

DIFFERENCES IN SYSTEMS MATTER: The FM talked about China's economic promise, but noted that "at the same time we have to acknowledge that China is not a market economy or a democracy founded on the rule of law as we are accustomed to." 3/

HR ISSUES NOW OUTSIDE PRC: The summary states "China’s view of human rights exerts an influence on three levels: in China itself, in the Netherlands and multilaterally." It raises concern over how PRC actions affect the universality of HR and Dutch citizens in the Netherlands. 4/

DEPENDENCY: The summary encourages trade, but notes that "when it comes to certain key technologies and critical raw materials, we do not want to become dependent on China." 5/

WORK THROUGH THE EU: The FM said "a realistic China policy obviously requires recognizing that the Netherlands on its own doesn’t have much maneuvering room in relations with China. So it’s fortunate that we’re a member of the European Union." 6/

EU COHESION VITAL: The summary notes that "The government sees the EU as the main channel for its relations with China. The EU’s China policy depends for its success on EU cohesion, which the Netherlands is working actively to strengthen." 7/

DEFENSE SPENDING: The summary notes that "China’s defence expenditure is below that of the US, but it is approaching the collective expenditure of the EU member states. This is something the Netherlands must take account of, as a member of both NATO and the EU." 8/

GLOBAL GOVERNANCE: The FM noted that China was a major contributor to UNPKOs, but flagged that "China aspires to modify the narrative of the international order by giving it ‘Chinese characteristics’. This is not in the Netherlands’ interests." 9/

DIRCK CHINA: The FM -- "The Netherlands has had relations with China for centuries. I’m proud that the first Dutch person to visit China came from my hometown of Enkhuizen: Dirck Gerritszoon Pomp, in the late 16th century. This earned him the nickname ‘Dirck China’." 10/10

Apologies for the typo in the initial tweet — meant to write “the summary and FM's speech on *it* have been.”