Premier calls on Netherlands to uphold market principles

Premier Li Qiang has called on the Netherlands to uphold the spirit of contract and the principles of the market and the World Trade Organization to protect the interests of Chinese and Dutch companies and ensure unimpeded global industry and supply chains.

Li reiterated Beijing's readiness to collaborate with the Netherlands in various sectors, saying during a telephone conversation with Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte on Tuesday that China sees the Dutch side as a priority for cooperation within the European Union.

Beijing's EU policy has maintained a high level of consistency and stability, Li said, adding that he hopes the Netherlands can make greater efforts to help advance China-EU relations.

The phone call came after China's Foreign Ministry expressed disapproval to the Dutch side in March over the Netherlands' decision to apply new restrictions on chip exports before the summer on so-called national security grounds, calling on the country to "refrain from abusing export control regimes".

Rutte, who met with China's Vice-President Han Zheng in the Hague last week, said his nation is willing to maintain close high-level exchanges with China, a key partner for the Netherlands, and deepen bilateral cooperation in economy, trade, water resources and response to climate change.

He called on both sides to bring the open and pragmatic comprehensive cooperative partnership between the two nations to a higher level, adding that the Dutch side will continue to serve as a bond and bridge for China-EU cooperation.

The Netherlands is China's second-largest trading partner within the EU, and trade between the two countries grew by 12 percent year-on-year to $130.2 billion in 2022.