TOPIC

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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

People swim in the Canal Saint-Martin on Friday after public swimming was permitted in certain areas due to high temperatures amid a heatwave in Paris. Photo: Reuters

China exports

As Europe sizzles amid extreme heat, the hunt for China’s aircon remains elusive

While Europe sweats its way through torturous temperatures of up to 40 degrees Celsius, China cannot get ACs transported over fast enough.

28 Jun 2026 - 4:00PMvideocam

Diplomacy

‘Too late’: why some Malukans say a Dutch apology isn’t enough

28 Jun 2026 - 1:02PM

Britain

‘New normal’: European hospitals overwhelmed by heatwave

26 Jun 2026 - 9:41PMvideocam

SCMP Highlights

Breakthrough in US-Iran talks; Japan visa hike to affect Chinese: 7 highlights

From deadly school shooting in Philippines to a Chinese man jailed for breeding 300 snakes, here are highlights from SCMP’s recent reporting.

26 Jun 2026 - 12:14PM

Chinese tourists pose for photographs while dressed in kimonos at the Sensoji Temple in the Asakusa district of Tokyo. Photo: AFP

China-India relations

Exclusive | US assures India over AI ‘kill switch’ as ‘Pax Silica’ expands to counter China

New Delhi says Washington pledged AI access would continue after Anthropic restrictions as the US-led initiative adds new members.

26 Jun 2026 - 4:20AMvideocam

South China Sea

China discovers rare coral reef blue hole in disputed Scarborough Shoal

Beijing has used law enforcement patrols and scientific study to boost its control over the contested South China Sea area.

25 Jun 2026 - 6:36PMvideocam

US-China tech war

Tech giant ASML joins China trade trip even amid US risk to sales

Europe’s most valuable company is seeking to boost sales in China while its home government works to fend off tougher export controls from the US.

25 Jun 2026 - 5:10PM

Part of an EUV chip-making machine produced by ASML. Photo: Reuters

United States

With no team in World Cup, Chinese fans root for Ronaldo, Messi … and a referee

Chinese team has not played in tournament for 24 years, so supporters follow world’s two most famous players and a strict mainland official.

25 Jun 2026 - 8:35PMvideocam

US-China trade war

Exclusive | Dutch semiconductor giants join delegation to China as US pushes curbs: source

The Netherlands has protested Washington’s proposed Match Act, which would further curtail its semiconductor firms’ business in China.

24 Jun 2026 - 5:32PM

Extreme weather

‘Health impacts likely’ as Europe bakes in early heatwave

France hits record-breaking June heat as soaring temperatures put the UK and other nations under red alert. Tens of millions are affected.

24 Jun 2026 - 9:28PMvideocam

A woman walks past shops during a heatwave in England’s northern city of York on Wednesday. Britain’s meteorological office has issued a very rare red heat warning - only issued once before - for Wednesday and Thursday, as temperatures could soar to 40 degrees. Photo: AFP

Celebrity style

11 most stylish World Cup bag moments so far

Forget boring duffels – World Cup footballers have been showing off their style game, from Lamine Yamal’s Chanel to Noa Lang’s Hermès.

21 Jun 2026 - 6:00AM

Jules Koundé and Kylian Mbappé are just two footballers who have had some truly stylish bag moments this World Cup. Photos: AFP

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

Opening of Paris hub is a response to increased demand, says the China tech giant as it looks to roll out agentic AI services across Europe.

17 Jun 2026 - 9:30PM

The Philippines

Philippine Senate leadership shift leaves Sara Duterte exposed ahead of trial

Sherwin Gatchalian, an ally of President Marcos, beat Duterte backer Alan Peter Cayetano to the Senate president post.

17 Jun 2026 - 7:39PMvideocam

Newly elected Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian presides over a special plenary session on Wednesday. Photo: EPA

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

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The Netherlands

As Europe sizzles amid extreme heat, the hunt for China’s aircon remains elusive

While Europe sweats its way through torturous temperatures of up to 40 degrees Celsius, China cannot get ACs transported over fast enough.

‘Too late’: why some Malukans say a Dutch apology isn’t enough

‘New normal’: European hospitals overwhelmed by heatwave

Breakthrough in US-Iran talks; Japan visa hike to affect Chinese: 7 highlights

From deadly school shooting in Philippines to a Chinese man jailed for breeding 300 snakes, here are highlights from SCMP’s recent reporting.

.css-1f6sr3w{color:#727272;}Exclusive | US assures India over AI ‘kill switch’ as ‘Pax Silica’ expands to counter China

New Delhi says Washington pledged AI access would continue after Anthropic restrictions as the US-led initiative adds new members.

China discovers rare coral reef blue hole in disputed Scarborough Shoal

Beijing has used law enforcement patrols and scientific study to boost its control over the contested South China Sea area.

Tech giant ASML joins China trade trip even amid US risk to sales

Europe’s most valuable company is seeking to boost sales in China while its home government works to fend off tougher export controls from the US.

With no team in World Cup, Chinese fans root for Ronaldo, Messi … and a referee

Chinese team has not played in tournament for 24 years, so supporters follow world’s two most famous players and a strict mainland official.

Exclusive | Dutch semiconductor giants join delegation to China as US pushes curbs: source

The Netherlands has protested Washington’s proposed Match Act, which would further curtail its semiconductor firms’ business in China.

‘Health impacts likely’ as Europe bakes in early heatwave

France hits record-breaking June heat as soaring temperatures put the UK and other nations under red alert. Tens of millions are affected.

11 most stylish World Cup bag moments so far

Forget boring duffels – World Cup footballers have been showing off their style game, from Lamine Yamal’s Chanel to Noa Lang’s Hermès.

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

Opening of Paris hub is a response to increased demand, says the China tech giant as it looks to roll out agentic AI services across Europe.

Philippine Senate leadership shift leaves Sara Duterte exposed ahead of trial

Sherwin Gatchalian, an ally of President Marcos, beat Duterte backer Alan Peter Cayetano to the Senate president post.

‘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.

Exclusive | US assures India over AI ‘kill switch’ as ‘Pax Silica’ expands to counter China

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