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The Netherlands

The latest news, analysis and opinion on The Netherlands. In-depth analysis, industry insights and expert opinion.

Capital

Amsterdam

Head of State

King Willem-Alexander

Head of Government

Prime Minister Dick Schoof

China-EU relations

EU hits ‘make-or-break moment’ as divided leaders confront ‘China shock 2.0’

EU member states poised to confront internal divisions and launch aggressive trade defences against systemic threat posed by Beijing.

18 Jun 2026 - 10:17AMvideocam

Artificial intelligence

Alibaba Cloud expands in France amid Europe’s data sovereignty push

17 Jun 2026 - 9:30PM

The Philippines

Philippine Senate leadership shift leaves Sara Duterte exposed ahead of trial

17 Jun 2026 - 7:39PMvideocam

The Philippines

‘Not a single inch’: Philippines vows to block structures at Scarborough Shoal

Observers say Beijing could be using its ‘old playbook’ of deploying scientific activities to boost military presence in the South China Sea.

16 Jun 2026 - 9:33PMvideocam

A ship identified by the Philippine Coast Guard as Chinese maritime militia is seen near Scarborough Shoal in the disputed South China Sea on Monday. Photo: AFP

Japan

‘It’s our way’: Japan fans win hearts by cleaning up after World Cup match

Japan is appearing at its eighth straight World Cup and its fans’ cleanliness has become an international calling card.

15 Jun 2026 - 11:26AM

Taiwan

PLA says it will stay on ‘high alert’ after Dutch warship crosses Taiwan Strait

Beijing says the De Ruyter had made the transit days after an ‘illegal intrusion’ into its airspace near the disputed Paracel Islands.

6 Jun 2026 - 4:17PM

Architecture and design

Marcel Wanders: from knotted chairs to Moooi’s new Shanghai showroom – interview

The Dutch designer champions fun over mere functionality as he introduces the Moooi brand to China and aims to explore cultural individuality.

3 Jun 2026 - 11:00AM

Marcel Wanders believes that design is not about how well a product functions – it’s about culture, creating something unique and not following other people’s rules. Photo: Handout

China-EU relations

Putin in Beijing, ‘China shock’ in EU: 7 global relations reads

From ‘miscalculation’ by the Dutch navy to China on Iran mediation, here are highlights from the SCMP’s overseas correspondents in May 2026.

2 Jun 2026 - 10:00PM

The Philippines

Philippine lawmaker charged with corruption to surrender

Senator Jinggoy Estrada has strongly denied allegations that he received more than 570 million pesos (US$9.3 million) in kickbacks.

2 Jun 2026 - 12:52PMvideocam

China technology

Why China is tightening tech investment rules amid rising global disputes

A new regulation will also grant Beijing the authority to counter foreign entities it views as harming its interests.

1 Jun 2026 - 5:40PMvideocam

The State Council Information Office holding a press conference in April in Beijing. Photo: Xinhua

My Life

How wartime Hong Kong became a passion for historian and author Tony Banham

Born in a British WWII hut, Tony Banham’s journey spans aviation, computing and historical research, leading to acclaimed works on his adopted hometown’s tumultuous past.

1 Jun 2026 - 8:00AM

Hong Kong historian Tony Banham at the site of the West Brigade Headquarters in Wong Nai Chung Gap, Hong Kong. Photo: Alexander Mak

China technology

Editorial | US pressure has only helped make China’s tech giants stronger

Huawei can now bypass ASML’s technology to make the advanced chips that the US has barred from export to China. This has become a familiar story.

1 Jun 2026 - 7:15AM

Italy

Italy bans Kanye West concert over security concerns

Authorities scrap festival performance following pressure from local Jewish groups over rapper’s controversial history.

1 Jun 2026 - 9:58AM

Malaysia

Malaysia blasts ‘conspicuously muted’ response over axed Norway missile deal

Defence Minister Khaled told the Shangri-La Dialogue that Oslo’s move was ‘destructive’ to the credibility of the rules-based global order.

31 May 2026 - 6:23PMvideocam

The Naval Strike Missiles produced by a Norwegian company are meant for the Malaysian navy’s littoral combat ships. Photo: Kongsberg

Singapore

17 nations launch pact to protect vital undersea cables amid US, China absence

Singapore’s defence chief tells the Shangri-La Dialogue the pact aims to explore potential areas of collaboration and share best practices.

1 Jun 2026 - 9:40AM

Singapore’s Minister for Defence Chan Chun Sing (centre) with representatives from 16 partner countries during the launch of the Guiding Principles for Underwater Infrastructure Defence Exchanges at the Shangri-La Dialogue on Saturday. Photo: Singapore’s Ministry of Defence

Semiconductors

Is Huawei’s new chip scaling law a true breakthrough, or mere hype?

Company says 3D design can deliver world-beating chips without the best chipmaking gear, rewriting the playbook for China’s tech future.

30 May 2026 - 11:00AM

China-EU relations

Brussels agrees on tougher China trade policy, as Beijing vows retaliation

Trade chief details why bloc needs to take stronger steps to defend itself from what is described as a new ‘China shock’ to its industries.

30 May 2026 - 1:06AMvideocam

European Union

EU’s 6 biggest economies agree on capital markets supervision

It is part ‌of a bid to boost EU’s competitiveness as it struggles with weak growth and fierce competition from the US and China.

29 May 2026 - 10:18PMvideocam

European Union flags flap in the wind outside EU headquarters in Brussels. The ⁠other 21 EU member states still need to agree to the proposals. Photo: AP

China's military weapons

Is PLA’s response to Dutch warship ‘putting down a marker’ in South China Sea?

Chinese military has claimed for the first time that it used ‘electronic countermeasures’ when the frigate entered disputed waters.

29 May 2026 - 9:15PM

The Philippines

Philippine lawmaker surrenders, posts bail after court orders his arrest

This will allow Senator Jinggoy Estrada to remain free while the corruption case against him proceeds.

29 May 2026 - 8:19PMvideocam

Semiconductors

Wingtech says core of Nexperia’s China unit now based on mainland

The statement comes amid escalation in the Nexperia conflict, as Wingtech files a lawsuit in China against chip firm.

29 May 2026 - 6:03PM

A wafer sample on display during a semiconductor exhibition in Shanghai on March 25. Photo: AFP

China-EU relations

EU heavyweights back industrial accelerator as China shock fears grow

Highlighting urgency, bloc’s major members offer qualified support of legislative proposal that has deepened tensions with Beijing.

28 May 2026 - 9:00PMvideocam

Adolfo Urso, Italy’s business minister, urges the EU to move quickly and pass the Industrial Accelerator Act. Photo: EPA

Nato

Germany, Netherlands to set up Nato command centre in Baltics

The centre, known as 1GNC, is a command centre that can control up to 50,000 troops.

28 May 2026 - 7:36PMvideocam

China-EU relations

Europe plans tougher response to China Shock 2.0

EU officials will discuss new trade protection measures at a meeting on Friday as the continent’s companies contend with a deluge of Chinese imports.

28 May 2026 - 5:00PM

China-EU relations

European leaders get ready to ‘act now’ amid rising fears of ‘China shock 2.0’

Ahead of a key debate on Friday, most commissioners said to support a more robust stance and broader use of safeguard measures.

28 May 2026 - 1:00PM

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen is among those in support of a stronger trade and industrial policy. Photo: EPA

Transport and logistics

Polar shipping era: China, South Korea bypass old trade lines amid Hormuz crisis

Passage through the waters could reduce transit times to Europe, offering an alternative to traditional routes amid rising geopolitical risks.

28 May 2026 - 9:12AM

Arctic shipping routes could cut transit times compared with traditional sea routes, such as passage via the Suez Canal and the much longer journey around the Cape of Good Hope. Photo: Shutterstock

China’s coastguard

China slams ‘provocative acts’ after driving Dutch warship away from Paracels

PLA says it used electronic interference and warnings against Dutch frigate as tensions widen in South China Sea.

28 May 2026 - 4:56AMvideocam

China trade

Exclusive | China’s date with Dutch trade minister on cards for early July: source

The Netherlands’ trade chief and his delegation will come at a pivotal diplomatic moment, as The Hague faces pressure from US tech-export laws.

27 May 2026 - 8:25PMvideocam

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The Netherlands

EU hits ‘make-or-break moment’ as divided leaders confront ‘China shock 2.0’

EU member states poised to confront internal divisions and launch aggressive trade defences against systemic threat posed by Beijing.

Alibaba Cloud expands in France amid Europe’s data sovereignty push

Philippine Senate leadership shift leaves Sara Duterte exposed ahead of trial

‘Not a single inch’: Philippines vows to block structures at Scarborough Shoal

Observers say Beijing could be using its ‘old playbook’ of deploying scientific activities to boost military presence in the South China Sea.

‘It’s our way’: Japan fans win hearts by cleaning up after World Cup match

Japan is appearing at its eighth straight World Cup and its fans’ cleanliness has become an international calling card.

PLA says it will stay on ‘high alert’ after Dutch warship crosses Taiwan Strait

Beijing says the De Ruyter had made the transit days after an ‘illegal intrusion’ into its airspace near the disputed Paracel Islands.

Marcel Wanders: from knotted chairs to Moooi’s new Shanghai showroom – interview

The Dutch designer champions fun over mere functionality as he introduces the Moooi brand to China and aims to explore cultural individuality.

Putin in Beijing, ‘China shock’ in EU: 7 global relations reads

From ‘miscalculation’ by the Dutch navy to China on Iran mediation, here are highlights from the SCMP’s overseas correspondents in May 2026.

Philippine lawmaker charged with corruption to surrender

Senator Jinggoy Estrada has strongly denied allegations that he received more than 570 million pesos (US$9.3 million) in kickbacks.

Why China is tightening tech investment rules amid rising global disputes

A new regulation will also grant Beijing the authority to counter foreign entities it views as harming its interests.

How wartime Hong Kong became a passion for historian and author Tony Banham

Born in a British WWII hut, Tony Banham’s journey spans aviation, computing and historical research, leading to acclaimed works on his adopted hometown’s tumultuous past.

.css-1pcrwvc{color:#2aa191;}Editorial | US pressure has only helped make China’s tech giants stronger

Huawei can now bypass ASML’s technology to make the advanced chips that the US has barred from export to China. This has become a familiar story.

Italy bans Kanye West concert over security concerns

Authorities scrap festival performance following pressure from local Jewish groups over rapper’s controversial history.

Malaysia blasts ‘conspicuously muted’ response over axed Norway missile deal

Defence Minister Khaled told the Shangri-La Dialogue that Oslo’s move was ‘destructive’ to the credibility of the rules-based global order.

17 nations launch pact to protect vital undersea cables amid US, China absence

Singapore’s defence chief tells the Shangri-La Dialogue the pact aims to explore potential areas of collaboration and share best practices.

Is Huawei’s new chip scaling law a true breakthrough, or mere hype?

Company says 3D design can deliver world-beating chips without the best chipmaking gear, rewriting the playbook for China’s tech future.

Brussels agrees on tougher China trade policy, as Beijing vows retaliation

Trade chief details why bloc needs to take stronger steps to defend itself from what is described as a new ‘China shock’ to its industries.

EU’s 6 biggest economies agree on capital markets supervision

It is part ‌of a bid to boost EU’s competitiveness as it struggles with weak growth and fierce competition from the US and China.

Is PLA’s response to Dutch warship ‘putting down a marker’ in South China Sea?

Chinese military has claimed for the first time that it used ‘electronic countermeasures’ when the frigate entered disputed waters.

Philippine lawmaker surrenders, posts bail after court orders his arrest

This will allow Senator Jinggoy Estrada to remain free while the corruption case against him proceeds.

Wingtech says core of Nexperia’s China unit now based on mainland

The statement comes amid escalation in the Nexperia conflict, as Wingtech files a lawsuit in China against chip firm.

EU heavyweights back industrial accelerator as China shock fears grow

Highlighting urgency, bloc’s major members offer qualified support of legislative proposal that has deepened tensions with Beijing.

Germany, Netherlands to set up Nato command centre in Baltics

The centre, known as 1GNC, is a command centre that can control up to 50,000 troops.

Europe plans tougher response to China Shock 2.0

EU officials will discuss new trade protection measures at a meeting on Friday as the continent’s companies contend with a deluge of Chinese imports.

European leaders get ready to ‘act now’ amid rising fears of ‘China shock 2.0’

Ahead of a key debate on Friday, most commissioners said to support a more robust stance and broader use of safeguard measures.

Polar shipping era: China, South Korea bypass old trade lines amid Hormuz crisis

Passage through the waters could reduce transit times to Europe, offering an alternative to traditional routes amid rising geopolitical risks.

China slams ‘provocative acts’ after driving Dutch warship away from Paracels

PLA says it used electronic interference and warnings against Dutch frigate as tensions widen in South China Sea.

.css-1f6sr3w{color:#727272;}Exclusive | China’s date with Dutch trade minister on cards for early July: source

The Netherlands’ trade chief and his delegation will come at a pivotal diplomatic moment, as The Hague faces pressure from US tech-export laws.

Editorial | US pressure has only helped make China’s tech giants stronger

Exclusive | China’s date with Dutch trade minister on cards for early July: source