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Security and stability: the Netherlands and China

The Netherlands is your partner in promoting peace and stability.

Long-term cooperation

Lasting peace requires long-term cooperation with local and regional partners, so that we can respond when trouble spots emerge and prevent new conflicts from arising. 

UN missions

The Netherlands participates in United Nations (UN) missions to help promote peace and protect civilians. Since 1947 more than 125,000 Dutch troops have taken part in over 60 UN peace missions. 

The Netherlands also supports reconstruction efforts in countries affected by war.

UN Security Council seat

In 2017 and 2018 the Netherlands and Italy will share a seat on the United Nations Security Council.

During their membership the Netherlands and Italy will focus their efforts on:

  • conflict prevention
  • peacekeeping
  • the protection of civilians during conflicts
  • the rule of law 
  • the effects of climate change on peace and security.

Security and stability: the Netherlands and your country or region

Currently the Dutch participate in several UN peacekeeping missions. Examples are the Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA), a UN peacekeeping mission to help restore security and stability in Mali; and the United Nations Mission in the Republic of South Sudan (UNMISS), a mission in South Sudan to protect civilians, monitor human rights and support the implementation of cessation of hostilities agreement.

China has participated in UN peacekeeping operations and UN mandated missions since 1988. China is currently participating in multiple UN Peacekeeping missions, including MINUSMA and UNMISS. The Netherlands and China are stationed alongside each other in the Goa area, as part of the UN mission in Mali.

The ‘Dutch approach’ (3D-approach), with a focus on the integration of diplomacy, defense and development, has garnered international attention as an effective way of peace building. The Netherlands firmly believes peace and development are intertwined, and underscores the importance of the central role of the UN in managing post-conflict and fragile states.