THE HAGUE - Foreign Minister Caspar Veldkamp announced that he will provide details on the Dutch government’s policy regarding China’s influence in Aruba, Curaçao, and Sint Maarten in a forthcoming letter to Parliament. This announcement follows the recent approval of a parliamentary motion calling for an annual report on China’s economic, political, and technological impact on the Caribbean countries of the Kingdom, alongside measures to mitigate this influence.
Minister Veldkamp acknowledged the autonomy of Aruba, Curaçao, and Sint Maarten in forming international economic relations but highlighted that foreign policy principles provide a guiding framework. “Vulnerabilities in economic security related to foreign investments can have repercussions for the Kingdom as a whole. In this context, the growing economic influence of China in the broader region is relevant,” Veldkamp stated.
The Foreign Ministry closely monitors China’s activities in the region and maintains ongoing discussions with the Caribbean countries. The Dutch government’s policy document, Netherlands-China: A New Balance, serves as a framework for this engagement. Veldkamp’s upcoming letter will detail these developments and is set to be included in discussions ahead of a December 18 committee debate on China.
Despite Veldkamp’s initial opposition to the motion, Parliament passed it with strong support, including backing from coalition parties PVV, VVD, and NSC. This move underscores the Dutch government’s commitment to addressing potential vulnerabilities associated with China’s growing role in the Caribbean and ensuring that security across the Kingdom remains safeguarded.