Dutch minister to lead trade mission to China despite sanctions

Trade minister Sjoerd Sjoerdsma plans to lead a trade mission to China despite being on a Chinese sanctions list, he said after talks with Chinese commerce minister Wang Wentao during a meeting of the World Trade Organisation in Cameroon.

The two ministers agreed to hold economic and trade consultations in China in the near future, and Sjoerdsma said he intends to use the visit to head a Dutch trade delegation.

The minister has been on a Chinese sanctions list since 2021 when Sjoerdsma was still an MP, after he submitted a motion in parliament stating that China was committing genocide against the Uyghur population in the Xinjiang region.

He has also been a supporter of closer ties with Taiwan, which China regards as a breakaway province.

Sjoerdsma said on social media that during the meeting with Wentao he had “reaffirmed our commitment to a balanced relationship that serves our mutual interests, while maintaining an open dialogue where our views differ. “

Had a constructive conversation with Chinese Minister Wang Wentao at #WTOMC14. We discussed our strong trade & investment partnership and WTO reforms. We agreed to hold economic and trade consultations in China soon, I will use this opportunity to lead a trade mission there. 1/2 pic.twitter.com/vxcrN3lZ0X

— Sjoerd Sjoerdsma (@ministerBHOS) March 25, 2026

Sjoerdsma said earlier, after taking office, that he expected to be able to work with China despite the sanctions. In the past, Chinese authorities have allowed foreign politicians and academics on similar lists to enter the country for official visits.