China

Dutch minister Sjoerdsma raised Uyghur forced labour concerns during China visit

Dutch minister Sjoerdsma and Chinese Commerce Minister Wang Wentao / photo: BZ

Dutch minister Sjoerd Sjoerdsma used a recent visit to China to directly raise concerns about the treatment of the Uyghur minority, including allegations of forced labour in Xinjiang. The exchanges offer a rare glimpse into how the Dutch government is trying to balance mounting human rights concerns with its desire to maintain economic and political ties with Beijing. The details emerged in parliamentary answers after questions of DENK MP Stephan van Baarle. Read on for the full story.

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Dutch watchdogs warn new spy law gives AIVD and MIVD sweeping powers: "Not in balance"

Why strikes are bringing the Netherlands to a standstill despite major cabinet concessions on welfare reforms

EU moves to shield Armenia from Russian trade pressure with new market access plan

Dutch parliament backs Israel settlement sanctions despite efforts to overturn them