In November 2020, the Netherlands incorporated its Indo-Pacific Strategy. An ambitious political move following the initiatives previously endorsed by France and Germany – all tailored to challenge China and the geo-economic balance of power in the region.
For the Dutch economy – one of the world’s most connected – the Indo-Pacific represents a significant lifeline. A double-edged sword showcasing its openness to the world and high-risk status to regional instabilities.
For the Netherlands, this foreign policy posture reflects its adaptability in a highly contested zone.
As security becomes interconnected, regional tensions are no longer regional. A reality prompting the Dutch government to enforce its Indo-Pacific strategy.
Arising from the need to promote EU influence, the policy framework was positively received in the corridors of major European hubs – uniting high officials’ opportunistic appetite in the region.
A Dutch Stake In The Midst
Six years later, the Dutch strategy has actively pivoted.
For the European Union, the Indo-Pacific is no longer a peripheral theatre. It has become an economic and strategic platform – one where the Union needs to balance its interests and address China’s growing regional impact.
An issue, the United States has approached with greater clarity and enforced through direct competition.
A shared vision, the Netherlands aims to broaden and influence to avoid becoming a pawn to great-power rivalry.
This fear underpins the essence of the Dutch foreign policy shift. Building on its tacit experience acquired during its colonial past in Indonesia, the Dutch leadership grasps the centrality of trade and influence the Indo-Pacific offers.
Home to some of the most strategic maritime trade routes – once the golden goose of Amsterdam – the Indo-Pacific has shaped numerous bilateral agreements between the Netherlands and its Asian partners. These enhanced cooperation agreements are a promising sign for future commitments.
Credibility As A Foundation
Allied with its European peers, the Dutch are prompted to develop an efficient partnership network with reliable powers – particularly the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).
This result-driven approach led by Europe’s will to cement a rule-based order limits the overdominance of great powers and legitimizes the Dutch strategy – aiming to re-assess China’s rise within a region wide context.
On its part, ASEAN is actively engaged with the development of an inclusive regional architecture. A dynamic shift presenting opportunities for joint European Indo-Pacific frameworks. As the European partners remain highly dependable on the local maritime ways, their military and naval experience is a bargaining chip the ASEAN can hope to rely on.
As the region continues to develop, its central nature in modern geopolitics is being shaped.
The Netherlands and its partners have upped their naval presence in the Indo-Pacific. A decisive shift towards a broader EU Indo-Pacific strategy safeguarding Europe’s interests. As successful they may be on the long-term, the naval and military agreements currently in force with ASEAN are a sound commitment towards additional joint efforts.
Notwithstanding China’s ambitions on the global stage, the European Union’s strategy creates a comprehensive approach to imminent challenges in the Indo-Pacific.
The need for security and military measures is a top priority for ASEAN’s and Europe’s viability. And concurring security measures related to defence and multilateralism give some leeway for the parties involved.
As ASEAN and European interests continue to converge – greater cooperation initiatives will rise. A well-needed flexibility, Dutch high officials rely on for long-term missions, guaranteeing their prolonged presence.
Accepting China, Moving Forward
For all, China’s role in the Indo-Pacific is a reality most powers have accepted. At the same time, the Netherlands’ enhanced political cooperation is met with stringent reactions.
Opposing these foreign policy shifts China responds as a belligerent power. Rightfully obstructing these interjections in its sphere of influence. Acting directly and succinctly on the basis of might makes right.
Yet, the question remains if diplomacy cannot appease this military theatre.
While Beijing actively heightens its act in the Indo-Pacific: the Netherlands may have found its footing.
Intently playing a determinant role in trade, stability and balancing shared interests in the region. Providing a valuable set of actionable frameworks and solutions the European community can build on.
If the Dutch leadership hurdles over Brussels’ bureaucratic apparatus – it may spearhead the EU Indo-Pacific strategy. Effectively leading the Union’s political engagement addressing today’s global challenges and insecurities.
Further guaranteeing the direct participation of European states in conserving a rule-based international order – the preferred contingency plan to constrain a single global power from exercising total hegemony in the region.
But these efforts will demand additional coordination, resilient partnerships and implementing effective capabilities in areas such as military modernization and economic security.
As such, it may be difficult to convince China that the Netherlands is not undermining its national ambitions.
But nothing lasts forever, and Beijing may very well turn a greater degree of attention towards the Dutch-led arrangement.
Doing More With Less
As it is, China remains a strong partner and proactive regional actor.
Long-term advocate of multilateralism, the Netherlands embodies the universal values the Indo-Pacific region urges. Having established its authenticity, the Dutch leadership should remain in favours of their Chinese counterparts – as reliable partners.
Evidently, Dutch high officials are capable of acting accordingly – despite the ongoing China-US major power divergences.
As the Dutch government finds itself at a crossroad it cannot afford to endure as a spectator.
Laying down clear directives and policies will help form the frameworks EU and international partners can rely on – helping shape the Indo-Pacific dynamics. The Netherlands can opt to proactively strengthen the institutions and cooperation mechanisms in the region, defending and forming shared common grounds for all parties involved.
For the Netherlands, more incentives and enhanced cooperation should be expected from its EU peers. As crystalizing its EU-led composition will undoubtedly help in developing a global framework able to ensure responsive and responsible behaviours in the region.
And as such, signalling to the US and China, that strategic and efficient diplomacy through cooperation is the preferred option – as conflict and trickery inevitably ends in a zero sum game.
