China’s Prime Minister Li Qiang is a trusted advisor to President Xi Jinping, often delegating meetings with foreign leaders to him. However, only the most important guests are granted meetings with Xi Jinping himself, making Rutte’s visit to Beijing significant in Chinese leadership eyes.
The Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte’s importance in Beijing stems from China’s reliance on a Dutch company, ASML, in the global semiconductor industry. ASML is the only company capable of producing lithography systems on a large scale, essential for semiconductor chip production. This makes ASML a valuable technology group in Europe and their technology crucial for China’s technological supremacy.
The global semiconductor industry is a battleground between the US and China, with Taiwan being a key player in chip production. China’s goal is to be self-sufficient in semiconductor production, reducing its dependence on Taiwan. In response, the US passed the Chips Act, imposing an embargo on advanced semiconductor chips to China. The Netherlands, as a US ally, quickly joined the embargo, impacting ASML’s business in China.
Xi Jinping criticized Rutte for the embargo, stating that it only leads to division and confrontation. He emphasized China’s right to technological progress and development despite external restrictions. While China accepts the embargo’s limitations, they seek to ensure that ASML can continue servicing machines in China.
Despite tensions over the semiconductor industry, China recognizes the significance of maintaining a relationship with the Netherlands and ASML. Xi’s criticism of Rutte’s decision is a way to assert China’s position but also acknowledges the importance of cooperation in certain areas. In the realm of global technology and trade, strategic alliances and decisions have far-reaching implications for both parties involved.
In conclusion, Xi Jinping has delegated meetings with foreign leaders like Mark Rutte to his trusted advisor Li Qiang due to their importance in Beijing’s eyes. Despite tensions over technology issues like semiconductors production between U
