Sanctioned by China, welcomed in China: Dutch Minister Sjoerdsma says he felt "most welcome" as new business council is launched

A Dutch minister who was once sanctioned by China and barred from entering the country has now emerged from a three-day visit to Beijing describing it as the warmest reception he has received since joining the government. Behind the diplomatic smiles, however, lie difficult questions about trade imbalances, semiconductor exports, human rights and Europe's increasingly complicated relationship with Beijing. How far is the Netherlands prepared to go to rebuild ties with China? What agreements were made behind closed doors? And can The Hague balance economic interests with growing concerns about security and human rights?