IRIA News

China’s President Xi Jinping met with Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte and met more than a dozen U.S. CEOs and academics in two separate meetings. These meetings are perceived as part of Beijing’s renewed endeavors to attract foreign investors and repair strained ties with the West.

The Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte visited Beijing on March 26-27 at the invitation of Chinese Premier Li Qiang. During his meeting with the Netherlands Prime Minister Rutte, Chinese President Xi Jinping said that “China is willing to promote the development of the China-Netherlands open and pragmatic partnership for comprehensive cooperation.”

President Xi highlighted that China regards Europe as a partner country and hopes the Netherlands will play a positive role in promoting mutual understanding between China and Europe and building a constructive relationship.

The Dutch prime minister also shared his belief with President Xi that “de-coupling is not a policy option” and said that the Netherlands values its friendship with China and is willing to deepen bilateral partnership.

According to the CGTN, Chinese President Xi also highlighted the importance of enhancing cooperation between the two nations in “artificial intelligence, green transformation, and the silver-haired economy” as well as promoting traditional cooperation in “agriculture, water conservancy, and energy”.

During his meeting with President Xi Jinping, the Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte downplayed the conflict between the Netherlands and China over restrictions on the export of equipment.

The Netherlands introduced export licensing regulations for machinery capable of producing advanced processor chips in 2023. This action followed the United States’ decision to restrict Chinese access to advanced chips and related equipment, citing security apprehensions, and encouraged its allies to do the same.

An online report from state-owned media did not make any reference to chip machinery, instead quoting Xi’s remarks on the detrimental effects of establishing scientific and technological barriers and fragmenting industrial and supply chains, warning of increased division and confrontation.

“The Chinese people also have the right to legitimate development, and no force can stop the pace of China’s scientific and technological development and progress,” Xi said during the meeting.

While speaking to journalists after meeting with Xi Jinping, Rutte declined to go into the details of the topic. “What I can tell you is that, when we have to take measures, that they are never aimed at one country specifically, that we always try to make sure that the impact is limited, is not impacting the supply chain, and therefore is not impacting the overall economic relationship.”

The Dutch leader, who was accompanied by his Trade Minister Geoffrey van Leeuwen, said that his meeting with President Xi Jinping and China’s Premier Li Qian focused on discussing ways to end the war in Ukraine. He said “It is important for China to understand that “this is a direct security threat for us because if Russia is successful in Ukraine, it will be a threat to the whole of Europe. It will not end with Ukraine.”

China has adopted a neutral stance on the Russia-Ukraine conflict, offering Russia diplomatic support and economic assistance through trade. This position has provoked ire and exasperation among many European nations, including the Netherlands, which perceive Russia as the aggressor and Ukraine as the victim.

Xi meets with US business leaders

In a separate meeting on the same day, Chinese leader Xi Jinping convened with over a dozen U.S. CEOs and academics, signaling Beijing’s renewed endeavors to attract foreign investors and repair strained relations with the United States.

According to a statement from the Chinese foreign ministry, Xi extended an invitation to U.S. businesses to “maintain their investments in China” and committed to additional reforms aimed at further opening the country’s markets to foreign companies. “China remains optimistic about its growth prospects,” he stated, emphasizing that the nation’s economy has not peaked.

The gathering took place at Beijing’s Great Hall of the People following the conclusion of a significant government forum that has been convening global business leaders to interact with Chinese officials for numerous years.

Almost 100 CEOs from around the world, along with leaders of international organizations like the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank, were present in the Chinese capital this week for the annual China Development Forum. Chinese state media reported that over 30 of these participants were executives from the United States.