Open Questions for Dutch Minister Sjoerdsma Ahead of His Visit to Beijing
By Abdurehim Gheni Uyghur (A public appeal from a Uyghur activist whose 19 family members are direct victims of China’s ongoing genocide)
A Visit That Forces a Moral Question
On July 6, 2026, Dutch Minister for Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation, Sjoerd Sjoerdsma, announced his upcoming visit to China. His message on X (formerly Twitter) immediately reignited debate about the tension between human rights and economic interests in Dutch foreign policy.
https://x.com/ministerbhos/status/2074101682443624849?s=46
Since China began implementing genocidal policies in East Turkistan in 2014, the global political landscape has shifted dramatically. Today, one of the most striking shifts is happening in the Netherlands: Minister Sjoerdsma is preparing to lead a major trade delegation to Beijing and Shanghai, accompanied by representatives from 17 multinational companies — including ASML — and the employers’ organization VNO‑NCW.
“Strengthening bilateral trade relations with China.” — Dutch Trade Delegation’s official goal
Behind this announcement lies a deeper political drama. Does moving from Parliament to the cabinet change a politician’s principles? Do commercial interests outweigh human rights?
The “Uyghur Hero” of Yesterday
As a D66 Member of Parliament, Sjoerdsma introduced the historic 2021 motion recognizing China’s atrocities against the Uyghurs as genocide.
“The Dutch Parliament recognizes the treatment of Uyghurs as genocide.” — Motion introduced by Sjoerdsma, February 21, 2021
This motion inspired similar recognitions across Europe and earned him deep respect among Uyghurs worldwide. Beijing responded by placing him on its official sanctions list.
Years later, this same sanctioned MP now serves as the Dutch Minister for Foreign Trade — preparing to visit the very government that once barred him.
Parliament’s Binding Instructions Before the China Mission
On May 21, 2026, the Dutch Parliament passed two major motions (3409 and 3410), initiated by MP Stephan van Baarle. These motions impose clear, binding obligations on the government.
“The Uyghur human rights crisis and forced labor must be explicitly and unconditionally placed on the bilateral agenda.” — Dutch Parliament, Motion 3409
“Goods from regions where independent verification is impossible must face the strictest oversight and restrictions.” — Dutch Parliament, Motion 3410
These mandates raise three urgent questions.
1. Will the Minister Raise the Uyghur Human Rights Crisis?
Motion 3409 requires the trade mission to openly address the Uyghur human rights crisis.
Will Minister Sjoerdsma raise the Uyghur genocide when meeting Chinese Minister Wang Wentao? Or will billion‑euro microchip deals take precedence over Parliament’s explicit directive?
“Will you speak up for the Uyghurs, or stay silent for the sake of trade?”
2. Will Forced‑Labor Products Be Restricted?
Motion 3410 demands strict oversight under the European CSDDD law, especially for goods from East Turkistan.
Will the minister audit and restrict supply chains linked to forced labor? Or will he rely on China’s fraudulent audit reports?
“Independent verification is impossible — therefore strict restrictions are mandatory.”
3. Principles or Profit?
China previously sanctioned Sjoerdsma for defending Uyghur rights. Today, Beijing welcomes him with a visa and a red carpet.
Is this diplomatic hospitality the price for abandoning earlier principles?
Western politicians often deliver powerful speeches defending human rights. But do those speeches still matter once they enter government?
“Does the ink of trade agreements outweigh the blood and tears shed in East Turkistan?”
A Defining Moment for Dutch Foreign Policy
Minister Sjoerdsma’s visit to Beijing is more than a trade mission — it is a historic test of political conscience.
Will he remain loyal to Parliament’s mandates and his own legacy as a defender of justice? Or will he trade those principles for commercial agreements?
As a Uyghur whose 19 family members are direct victims of China’s genocide, I believe I have every right to ask these painful questions. Sjoerdsma once stood with us and helped pave the way for genocide recognition across Europe.
“Today, human dignity — not just Dutch commercial interests — hangs in the balance.”
Will he look Chinese officials in the eye and demand justice for my family and millions of Uyghurs?
The world and history will be watching every word and action in Beijing.
Date: July 7, 2026
Related links:
https://www.tweedekamer.nl/kamerstukken/moties/detail?id=2026Z10529&did=2026D23817
https://www.tweedekamer.nl/kamerstukken/moties/detail?id=2026Z10528&did=2026D23816