Key partner

Potman dismissed the argument by some in Europe for more protectionism and decoupling with the Chinese economy as a way to achieve strategic autonomy, saying that "we should not forget that China is one of the Netherlands' key trade and investment partners".

"Our relationship is important for the prosperity of both our countries. Although we do not always agree with each other, we should continue to work together on shared interests," he said.

The reception on Tuesday evening was held along with a photo exhibition displaying the major milestones in bilateral relations in various fields in the past 50 years.

"As you will see when you wander through the beautiful exhibition, the Netherlands and China have seized opportunities when they arose in the past, and we will do the same in the future," Potman said.

While a visit to China is difficult due to the strict COVID-19 pandemic measures, Potman was happy about a successful trade mission conducted online last week, where 25 Dutch companies introduced themselves to Chinese partners, focusing on circular economy and offshore wind.

Potman pointed out that the photo exhibition reminds people that relations between countries are much more than just geopolitics and international diplomacy.

"And so it is with confidence that I look ahead to the next 50 years in our bilateral relations," he said.

Chinese Ambassador to the Netherlands Tan Jian echoed the views, noting that bilateral trade has grown nearly 1,700 times in the past 50 years, from $69 million in 1972 to more than $116 billion in 2021.

The Netherlands is China's second-largest trading partner in Europe, trailing Germany. It is the top destination in the European Union for Chinese investment, and the second-largest investor in China among EU member states.

Tan said that China has benefited from Dutch investment, with the Netherlands being a developed economy and boasting many world-class high-tech companies.

"Dutch businesspeople have told me that the huge market of China is indispensable for Dutch companies to stay super competitive," he added.