The One-China Principle is Not to Be Challenged

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The One-China Principle is Not to Be Challenged

The International Community Has Once Again Rejected the Participation of Taiwan Region in the World Health Assembly

By H.E. Mr. Bo Shen, Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to the Kingdom of the Netherlands.

On May 18, the General Committee and the Plenary Session of the 79th World Health Assembly (WHA) respectively decided to reject the so-called proposal of “inviting Taiwan to participate in the WHA as an observer” submitted by certain countries. This marks the 10th consecutive year that the WHA has rejected such a proposal. This outcome once again demonstrates that the one-China principle is a prevailing consensus of the international community and a fundamental principle that the World Health Organization must uphold. Any attempt to challenge this principle under the pretext of public health issues will receive no support from the international community.

Recently, the authorities of the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) and a small number of countries have continuously hyped up the so-called issue of “Taiwan’s participation in international organizations” and even claimed that “Taiwan is excluded from the global health system.” Although such statements are made under the guise of public health and humanitarian concerns, their true purpose is to politicize health issues and use them as a pretext to challenge United Nations General Assembly Resolution 2758 and the post-war international order.

There is but one China in the world. Taiwan is an inalienable part of China’s territory, and the government of the People’s Republic of China is the sole legal government representing the whole of China. This is both a historical fact and a principle of international law. The Taiwan question has a clear historical background and legal context. In 1895, Japan forcibly occupied Taiwan after invading China. During World War II, the Cairo Declaration and the Potsdam Proclamation clearly stipulated that all territories Japan had stolen from China should be restored to China. In 1945, China resumed the exercise of sovereignty over Taiwan. In 1971, the United Nations General Assembly adopted Resolution 2758, restoring all lawful rights of the People’s Republic of China in the United Nations and explicitly resolving the question of the representation of the whole of China, including Taiwan, in the UN system.

This resolution not only confirmed the lawful seat of the Government of the People’s Republic of China within the United Nations system, but also established an indisputable fact: Taiwan is not a country, and China has only one seat in the United Nations. Therefore, the World Health Organization, as a specialized agency of the United Nations, must abide by United Nations General Assembly Resolution 2758 and World Health Assembly Resolution WHA25.1. The participation of China’s Taiwan region in activities of international organizations must be handled in accordance with the one-China principle. This is an established international norm, rather than what some describe as a “unilateral demand” by China.

In the past, China’s Taiwan region participated in the World Health Assembly under the name “Chinese Taipei.” This was not a so-called “right granted to Taiwan by the international community,” but rather a special arrangement reached through cross-Strait consultations on the basis that both sides adhered to the one-China principle. Since 2016, the DPP authorities have refused to recognize the 1992 Consensus, which embodies the one-China principle, and have stubbornly adhered to the separatist position of “Taiwan independence,” thereby causing this arrangement to lose its political foundation. The responsibility lies entirely with the DPP authorities themselves.

More importantly, the claim that “Taiwan is excluded from the global health system” is completely inconsistent with the facts. The Chinese central government attaches great importance to the health and well-being of compatriots in Taiwan. Provided that the one-China principle is upheld, channels for information and technical exchanges between China’s Taiwan region and the World Health Organization have always remained open and unimpeded.

Over the past year alone, the central government approved applications from 18 medical and health experts from China’s Taiwan region to participate in WHO technical activities, covering areas such as immunization strategies, vaccine development, mental health, and digital health. Under the framework of the International Health Regulations, China’s Taiwan region is able to promptly access and report health emergency information to the WHO.

The two sides across the Taiwan Strait also maintain smooth information-sharing mechanisms on infectious disease outbreaks and have continued exchanges and cooperation in the field of medical and health care. These facts fully demonstrate that the so-called “gap in the international pandemic prevention system” is nothing more than a fabricated narrative.

In recent years, a tiny minority of countries have repeatedly attempted to distort United Nations General Assembly Resolution 2758 and the fundamental fact that Taiwan is an inalienable part of China’s territory. This not only challenges China’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, but also undermines the post-World War II international order and the authority of the United Nations. The international community clearly recognizes this. During this year’s World Health Assembly, the overwhelming majority of countries explicitly reaffirmed their commitment to the one-China principle, supported United Nations General Assembly Resolution 2758, opposed the participation of Taiwan region in the World Health Assembly, and expressed support for China’s position through measures such as sending letters to the Director-General of the World Health Organization. This once again demonstrates that upholding the one-China principle represents international justice, the will of the people, and the prevailing trend of the times.

As the global landscape becomes increasingly complex and unstable, it is all the more important for all countries to jointly uphold the international system with the United Nations at its core and the international order based on international law, rather than create ambiguity and confrontation on issues concerning the core interests of other countries.

The Taiwan question is entirely China’s internal affair and brooks no foreign interference. No matter what the DPP authorities say or do, they cannot change the fact that both sides of the Taiwan Strait belong to one and the same China and that Taiwan is an inalienable part of China’s territory. Nor can they alter the historical trend toward China’s ultimate and inevitable reunification. Upholding the one-China principle, safeguarding the authority of the United Nations, and maintaining the post-World War II international order serve the common interests of the international community and are also conducive to peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait.

Weather Warfare and the Future of International Law

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Weather Warfare and the Future of International Law

By Ayesha Asim

For decades, weather warfare occupied a marginal yet persistent place within international security discourse, situated uneasily between military history, scientific experimentation, and geopolitical speculation. In 2026, however, amid renewed tensions in the Middle East, environmental manipulation has quietly re-emerged as a subject of legal and diplomatic concern.

Recent online claims linking rainfall patterns in Iran and Iraq to attacks on US-linked radar infrastructure revived debate concerning the potential militarisation of environmental technologies. Reports circulating across regional media and digital platforms states that rainfall increased following strikes on military radar systems associated with US operations in the Middle East. For example, The Jerusalem Post reported on viral claims that “stolen rains” had returned after disruptions to alleged weather-control operations. Similar narratives also appeared in regional commentary and online discussions following reports of Iranian strikes on radar installations in Iraq and the Gulf region.

The allegations quickly attracted public attention across the region. Yet meteorological experts and scientific authorities strongly rejected such assertions. Iranian weather officials publicly stated that military or aviation radar systems cannot manipulate large-scale precipitation systems. Independent scientific assessments similarly found no evidence supporting the existence of operational technologies capable of engineering regional droughts or storms through radar installations alone. Various news reports and fact-check investigations likewise concluded that the allegations lacked scientific substantiation.

Nevertheless, the controversy itself remains legally and politically significant. Even where claims are scientifically unsupported, their political significance reflects growing international anxiety regarding environmental insecurity and the future strategic implications of climate-related technologies.

In regions already confronting drought, desertification, and severe water scarcity, environmental vulnerability has increasingly become intertwined with geopolitical rivalry and national security concerns.

The concept of environmental manipulation as a method of warfare is not entirely new. During the Vietnam War, the United States conducted Operation Popeye, a covert cloud-seeding programme intended to prolong monsoon conditions along enemy supply routes. The operation intensified international concern regarding environmental modification techniques and ultimately contributed to the adoption of the 1977 Convention on the Prohibition of Military or Any Other Hostile Use of Environmental Modification Techniques, commonly referred to as the ENMOD Convention.

Under Article I of the ENMOD Convention, states parties undertake not to engage in military or hostile environmental modification techniques having “widespread, long-lasting or severe effects” as a means of destruction, damage, or injury against another state. At the time of its drafting, the treaty primarily contemplated large-scale climatic interventions capable of producing floods, earthquakes, or other forms of environmental disruption.

Nearly five decades later, however, scientific and technological developments have complicated the legal landscape considerably.

Contemporary geoengineering proposals, including solar radiation management and large-scale atmospheric interventions, are increasingly discussed within scientific and policy circles as potential responses to climate change. Although many remain experimental, several possess dual-use characteristics, meaning technologies designed for civilian climate mitigation may theoretically acquire strategic or military applications.

International law remains insufficiently prepared to regulate this emerging ambiguity.

One major challenge concerns attribution. Unlike conventional military attacks, environmental manipulation may prove exceptionally difficult to detect, measure, or conclusively attribute to a particular state actor. Climate systems are inherently complex, and ordinary weather variability can itself generate suspicion in politically volatile environments. Under such conditions, perception may become as geopolitically consequential as scientific verification.

This dynamic is particularly visible in the Middle East, where water scarcity has increasingly evolved into a matter of national and regional security. Iran, Iraq, and neighbouring states face mounting ecological pressures arising from prolonged droughts, declining river flows, and rising temperatures. In such circumstances, narratives involving “climate theft” or foreign environmental interference gain political traction not because they are scientifically established, but because environmental stress has intensified geopolitical mistrust.

The result is a dangerous convergence of climate anxiety, information warfare, and strategic competition.

For international lawyers and policymakers, the central concern is therefore not whether present radar systems can control rainfall. There is no credible evidence that they can. Rather, the more pressing issue is whether existing international legal frameworks are capable of regulating future environmental technologies before geopolitical tensions outpace legal governance.

The ENMOD Convention itself remains limited in both scope and enforcement capacity. Drafted before the emergence of contemporary climate engineering debates, the treaty lacks comprehensive verification mechanisms and provides limited guidance regarding dual-use environmental technologies. At the same time, major powers increasingly regard technological dominance, including leadership in climate-related innovation, as part of broader strategic competition.

As climate pressures intensify globally, allegations of environmental manipulation may increasingly become instruments of propaganda, coercion, and diplomatic confrontation, regardless of whether such claims are scientifically substantiated.

What was once regarded as speculative may soon emerge as a serious challenge for international security governance.

The renewed debate surrounding weather warfare, therefore, reveals less about secret technologies controlling rainfall and more about the evolving nature of insecurity in the twenty-first century. Climate change is no longer merely an environmental issue. It is increasingly embedded within questions of sovereignty, technological governance, military strategy, and state responsibility under international law.

In that sense, future disputes over climate intervention technologies may prove far more consequential than the present controversy itself.

About the author:

Ayesha Asim, PhD Scholar in law and LLM International Law (Gold Medallist), Legal Analyst, lecturer, and with extensive experience in legal research, advisory, policy analysis and teaching. She can be reached at ayeshamalyc09@gmail.com.

Threads of Heritage: Weaving Southeast Asia’s Living Tradition

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Threads of Heritage: Weaving Southeast Asia’s Living Tradition

By Roy Lie Atjam

Amsterdam, 12 May 2026 – The highly anticipated opening ceremony of the joint traditional textile exhibition, THREADS OF HERITAGE: Weaving Southeast Asia’s Living Tradition, was a captivating celebration presented by the Embassies of the ASEAN Community in The Hague. Set against the backdrop of the beautifully renovated Indonesia House Amsterdam (IHA), this exceptional venue stands out as the largest and most diverse Indonesian Promotion Centre in Europe.

Once serving as the Indonesian Consulate General Office from 1967 to 1976, the building has been reborn after almost five decades of vacancy, culminating in its inauguration in 2024 by Indonesia’s Foreign Minister, H.E. Retno L.P. Marsudi, and the Indonesian Ambassador in the Netherlands, H.E. Mayerfas.

ASEAN TEXTILE EXHIBITION

During today’s  immersive program, attendees were invited to embark on a journey of cultural exchange, walking among an exquisite array of traditional textiles from Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Thailand, and Vietnam. The exploration was guided by the eminent textile anthropologist Dr. Sandra Niessen, whose deep understanding of the subject brought each piece to life.

H.E. Amrih Jinangkung, Ambassador of Indonesia and H.E. J. Eduardo Malaya, Ambassador of the Philippines with anthropologist Dr. Sandra Niessen.

She illuminated the intricate weaving techniques, revealing the rich cultural symbolism woven into each motif, and conveyed the historical significance of these treasured textile traditions that reflect the soul of the region. Dr. Niessen’s presentation was a masterclass, meticulously detailing the artistry and heritage of Southeast Asian weaving, shaped by her more than forty years of devoted research a commitment that has woven itself into the fabric of her identity.

With a background of Canadian-Dutch descent, she shared a heartfelt reflection on her yearning for Southeast Asian ancestry, adding a personal touch to her scholarly discourse.

H.E. Amrih Jinangkung, Ambassador of Indonesia to the Netherlands.

The inaugural welcome remarks were delivered by the Ambassador of the Republic of Indonesia in the Netherlands, H.E. Amrih Jinangkung. A  summary of his address follows:

“It is a great honour for me to welcome you all to this special event, where we come together to celebrate and preserve one of our most precious cultural treasures: traditional textiles of ASEAN.

First of all, I would like to extend my warm congratulations to the Philippines on the successful hosting of the 48th ASEAN Summit in Cebu last week. The success of the Summit and today’s event clearly demonstrate our shared commitment to a stronger and more united ASEAN.

We all know that diversity is the greatest strength of ASEAN. This rich cultural diversity, inherited from our ancestors, is something cherish we must protect together. One of its most beautiful expressions is the extraordinary variety of our traditional textiles.

Today’s joint exhibition is a wonderful showcase of that diversity and richness. The displayed textiles come in many forms— fabrics, ceremonial costumes, shawls, scarves, and woven garments— each carrying its own unique origin and cultural meaning.

We are honored to see T’nalak from the Philippines, woven using Abaka fibers and linked to T’boli mythological traditions.

We also have the colorful H’mong Costume from Vietnam, known for its intricate embroidery with indigo dyeing reflecting the mountain cultures of northern Vietnam.

From Thailand, we see the elegance of Phaa Poom. Thai textiles are renowned for their refined silk weaving traditions, rich gold-thread embroidery, and regional patterns that once reflected royal courts and local kingdoms.

Malaysia presents Songket, textiles woven with metallic gold or silver threads that historically symbolized nobility and prestige in the Malay Sultanates. Songket weaving itself requires immense patience and skill, often taking months to complete a single ceremonial cloth.

For Indonesia, we proudly present Tenun Ikat. Allow me to share a little more about the this piece that is on display today. One of the featured textiles is called “Hinggi Kaliuda” from East Sumba. This remarkable cloth combines plants and animals motifs.

In Sumbanese culture, each motif carries profound symbolism: horses represent greatness, strength, and social status; hens and roosters symbolize unity and family harmony; prawns signify death and reincarnation; while flowers represent beauty and the continuity of life. Traditionally, such textiles were worn during important ceremonies and were considered symbols of honor and ancestral connection.

In addition to the exhibition we are enjoying here today, we were also honoured last month to witness the beautiful exhibition of Thailand’s Chut Thai (Thai National Costume), graciously led by Her Royal Highness Princess Sirivannavari Nariratana Rajakanya.

I would like to extend my warmest congratulations to Ambassador Asi and Madam for the outstanding success of the exhibition. Many of us are still captivated by the display, which continues at De Bijenkorf in Amsterdam.

Traditional textiles are much more than fabric; they represent a cherished heritage, preserved for generations. Shaped by local wisdom and cultural values, these textiles carry deep meaning through intricate motifs that tell stories of ancient myths, spirituality, and social status. Beyond ceremonial uses, traditional textiles play a vital role in our daily lives and are essential for local economies.

 From sarongs and batik to the Barong in the Philippines, they enrich our routines and culture. For many families and artisans, textile production is a labor of love and a source of livelihood, preserving valuable skills and promoting cultural sustainability. These textiles accompany us through significant life moments, making them integral to our identity.

We take pride in the international recognition of our textiles by UNESCO: Indonesian Batik (2009), Malaysian Songket (2021), and Tais from Timor-Leste (2021). We also support Thailand’s efforts to recognize Chut Thai as part of our shared cultural heritage.”

In conclusion, an exhibition tour followed. Guests were invited to mingle, view textile exhibits and engage with the curators.

ICC Deputy Prosecutor Reaffirms Commitment to Justice Partnership with Colombia

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ICC Deputy Prosecutor Reaffirms Commitment to Justice Partnership with Colombia

The Office of the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court and the Government of Colombia reaffirmed their shared commitment to partnership, complementarity and victim-centered justice during the official visit of ICC Deputy Prosecutor Nazhat Shameem Khan to Bogotá from 4 to 8 May 2026.

During her first official mission to Colombia, Deputy Prosecutor Khan held meetings with senior government officials, judicial authorities, representatives of the United Nations, members of the diplomatic community, civil society organisations and victims’ representatives. The visit took place within the framework of the 2021 Cooperation Agreement signed between the ICC Office of the Prosecutor (OTP) and the Government of Colombia.

ICC Deputy Prosecutor Nazhat Shameem Khan during the interinstitutional roundtable with Government agencies and judicial authorities.

Deputy Prosecutor Khan described Colombia as “a leader in international criminal justice” and stressed the importance of ensuring that the country’s transitional justice process continues to deliver meaningful results for victims. She reaffirmed the Office’s dedication to working closely with all partners in line with the OTP’s Policy on Complementarity and Cooperation.

A central focus of the mission was the implementation of sentences issued by the Special Jurisdiction for Peace, following recent landmark decisions in Colombia’s transitional justice process. Discussions highlighted the importance of effective coordination among national authorities to ensure sanctions are implemented in a way that reflects accountability, public condemnation of criminal conduct, and recognition of victims’ suffering.

The Deputy Prosecutor met with Colombia’s Minister of Justice and Law, Jorge Iván Cuervo Restrepo, and expressed appreciation for the Government’s continued support of the transitional justice framework and its commitment to strengthening coordination with the JEP.

She also held discussions with Miroslav Jenča, Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary-General and Head of the United Nations Verification Mission in Colombia, as well as Claudio Tomasi, Acting Resident Coordinator in Colombia. Meetings with international partners and members of the diplomatic community underlined the importance of sustained international engagement and support for Colombia’s peace and justice architecture.

An important component of the mission involved direct dialogue with civil society organisations and victims’ representatives. These exchanges provided an opportunity to assess progress achieved, ongoing challenges and the support still required to advance accountability efforts. Deputy Prosecutor Khan reiterated the OTP’s commitment to ensuring that victims’ voices continue to shape and inform its complementarity activities.

ICC Deputy Prosecutor Khan was welcomed by the President of the JEP and its magistrates.

The visit also included meetings with Alejandro Ramelli and magistrates of the JEP, reflecting the strong ongoing partnership between the ICC Office of the Prosecutor and Colombia’s transitional justice institutions. Deputy Prosecutor Khan welcomed the progress achieved across several macro-cases and acknowledged efforts to develop restorative sanctions that include effective restrictions on liberties and rights.

Deputy Prosecutor Khan concluded her mission with a keynote address at an academic event hosted by Colombia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs on partnerships for justice. Emphasising the importance of international cooperation in addressing contemporary challenges in international criminal justice, she noted that complementarity can “build bridges” and strengthen collective efforts to deliver justice and accountability for victims.

Energy Transition and Urban Development, Interview with Thamar Zijlstra

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Energy Transition and Urban Development, Interview with Thamar Zijlstra

Power, Cities and Fairness – Rethinking the Energy Transition in Urban Life

Energy rarely draws attention until it becomes a problem. It appears in rising heating bills or in the sudden arrival of a wind turbine next door. Today the energy transition is no longer distant. It is unfolding inside our neighborhoods and it is not unfolding evenly.

Young people are often told to switch off lights and travel less, while large corporations continue operating with limited constraint. That imbalance is not just frustrating – it is structurally flawed. Responsibility is being misallocated. If emissions are concentrated, then accountability must be too.

A conversation with Thamar Zijlstra, a councillor in Amsterdam West, brings this into focus. Her work highlights a core issue: the transition is not only technical. It is political and deeply social.

Low-income communities face disproportionate risks. Upgrading homes or adapting to new systems requires capital, many simply do not have. Without targeted policy support the transition reinforces inequality, instead of reducing it. Any serious framework must start with redistribution mechanisms, not just incentives.

At the same time cities need to open decision-making. Energy infrastructure – whether solar projects or district heating – directly affects daily life. Yet communities are often informed rather than involved. That approach creates resistance and slows implementation. Participation is not a bonus feature. It is operationally necessary.

Corporations remain the central actors in urban emissions. Pretending otherwise weakens policy design. Yes, individual behavior matters. But it is marginal compared to industrial output. Strong regulation, transparent emissions reporting and real financial pressure on high-impact sectors are non-negotiable.

Zijlstra also points to a more grounded layer of change. Community gardens, repair workshops and local initiatives make sustainability visible and social. These efforts build trust. Still, they are not substitutes for systemic reform. They are support mechanisms, not solutions.

Urban development adds another layer of tension. Cities must build faster, while also building greener. The real opportunity lies in designing complete neighborhoods – integrating housing, energy systems, mobility and green space from the start rather than retrofitting later.

Mobility policy shows, where clarity already exists. Electrifying cars alone is not enough. Reducing dependency on cars altogether is the more efficient path. Cities that prioritize cycling and public transport are not idealistic – they are pragmatic.

The energy transition is often framed as a technological upgrade. That is a shallow reading. It is a redistribution of power, cost and influence. The critical question is not whether the transition will happen. It is who shapes it and who pays for it.

This article is produced by Charahja van Broekhoven, Alexandra Osina, Peace Ojoma Idoko, Alexandra Lawrentiev, Taeyun Kim, Longrui Deng, Beatrise Abelkalna, Lauren van Laarhoven-Hargreaves, participants in the Bright Future Foundation, as part of the European Union’s “Participate & Promote Democracy” Youth Participation project, in cooperation with Diplomat Magazine, Embassy of the Netherlands in Armenia and young members of the Armenian partner organization Promising Youth.

Thanksgiving Mass Opens Cameroon National Day Celebrations in The Hague

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Thanksgiving Mass Opens Cameroon National Day Celebrations in The Hague

On the occasion of Cameroon’s National Day, H.E. Madeleine Liguemoh Ondoua celebrated a thanksgiving Mass at the Church of Our Saviour in The Hague, bringing together the Cameroonian community of the Netherlands and Luxembourg in a moment of prayer, unity and national pride. More than 900 faithful attended the celebration, praying and singing together for Cameroon and its people.

Among the distinguished guests were the Ambassadors of Rwanda, H.E. Lambert Dushimimana and Angola, H.E. Lizeth N. Satumbo Pena, as well as the Honorary Consul of Sierra Leone, who attended in support of their colleague and to draw inspiration from the Cameroonian initiative of organizing a thanksgiving Mass as part of the national celebrations.

The Mass marked the opening of the 54th edition of Cameroon’s National Day celebrations in the Netherlands. Its purpose was to give thanks for the blessings bestowed upon Cameroon and to entrust to God all the activities organized for the week-long celebrations.

The African community played an active role in both the preparations and the ceremony itself, attending dressed in elegant and colourful African attire.

In a solemn procession, Ambassador Madeleine Liguemoh Ondoua entered with a delegation carrying the Cameroonian flag and later presented offerings in support of refugees, underlining the values of solidarity.

The homily delivered by Father Sjaak de Boer, Parish Priest of the Church of Our Saviour, focused on the importance of seeking and pursuing peace. Three religious songs selected by the Embassy were performed during the service, accompanied by traditional African drum rhythms.

At the conclusion of the Mass, parishioners and guests gathered to share sweets and refreshments, extending the spirit of fellowship beyond the religious celebration.

The thanksgiving Mass forms part of a wider programme of events organized by the Embassy of Cameroon in The Hague to celebrate the country’s National Day over more than one week.

On Saturday, 16 May, the Embassy will host a culinary workshop dedicated to Cameroonian gastronomy, featuring the preparation and presentation of two of the country’s iconic dishes: Ndolé and Braised Fish.

A mini football tournament will also take place at St De Whilemus, promoting friendship and inclusion through sport. The first match will oppose the men’s team of Cameroon against refugees living in the Netherlands, while the second will see the Embassy women’s team, the Amazons of the Embassy, compete against CDA United Women.

The celebrations will conclude on Friday, 22 May, with a large diplomatic reception at the Marriott Hotel in The Hague, gathering members of the diplomatic corps, economic and cultural partners, and the Cameroonian community in the Netherlands.

Congratulations to H.E. Madeleine Liguemoh Ondoua on Cameroun National day 2026.

Los cuentos de Salarrué

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Los cuentos de Salarrué

La Embajada de El Salvador y la Asociación Hispánica de La Haya organizaron en mayo, un conversatorio sobre la obra del escritor salvadoreño Salvador Salazar Arrué, conocido como “Salarrué”. La actividad estuvo a cargo de la abogada y notaria Mirella Pocasangre de Vázquez, quien se distinguió por su emotiva narrativa de los cuentos de este prestigioso autor.

El público presente, entre ellos miembros de la Asociación Hispánica de La Haya, escritores latinoamericanos, miembros del cuerpo diplomático, de la prensa y amigos de El Salvador, llenó la sala participando activamente con preguntas sobre el autor y el léxico utilizado en sus cuentos.

Edith Bergansius, presidenta de la Asociación Hispánica de La Haya, recibió a los invitados y presentó el evento mencionando que: “La idea de tener este conversatorio sobre los cuentos de ‘Salarrué’ nació hace aproximadamente un año, cuando tuvimos una actividad similar en el Instituto Cervantes de Utrecht. Desde ese momento fijamos una fecha. Así que gracias a ustedes también, miembros de la asociación y a mis colegas del cuerpo diplomático que nos acompañan; realmente es un honor y un gusto tenerlos aquí”.

S.E. Álvaro González Otero, Embajador del Uruguay y S.E. Agustín Vázquez Gómez, Embajador de El Salvador durante la presentación en la Asociación Hispánica de La Haya.

El Embajador de El Salvador, S.E. Agustín Vázquez Gómez, presentó el evento y conversó con el público sobre las iniciativas de los embajadores latinoamericanos para promover el uso del español en los organismos internacionales.

“Particularmente, tenemos acá al embajador de Uruguay, S.E. Álvaro González Otero, quien en este período es el coordinador del Grupo de Amigos del Español en La Haya. Lo que nosotros hacemos es tratar de promover el uso de nuestra lengua en los organismos internacionales aquí representados.

En algunos lo hemos logrado con mucho éxito; en otros todavía se está trabajando. Pero les puedo asegurar que iniciativas como esta, y con la presencia del coordinador del Grupo de Amigos del Español en La Haya, estamos sembrando la semilla.

El día de hoy queremos compartir un poco acerca de El Salvador, de su belleza y de su riqueza natural que podemos disfrutar. Pero tenemos un activo mucho más importante, que es nuestra gente. Nuestra gente es muy cálida, muy amigable, muy abierta, muy dispuesta y siempre estamos de la mano para ayudar y recibir incluso a aquellos que no conocemos.

El día de hoy queremos invitarlos a todos ustedes, a través de la voz de mi querida esposa, a que podamos conocer un poco más acerca de un escritor salvadoreño del cual nosotros nos sentimos muy orgullosos. Así que, con este preámbulo, reitero nuestro agradecimiento por permitirnos estar aquí, en su casa, en la Asociación Hispánica”.

Posteriormente, dio paso a Mirella Pocasangre y a su vívida narrativa sobre Salvador Salazar Arrué, artísticamente conocido como “Salarrué”, quien a través de sus cuentos reflejó la idiosincrasia de El Salvador.

Mirella Pocasangre

“‘Salarrué’ narró la simplicidad de nuestra vida y cómo somos. Con esas historias simples y divertidas toca el corazón; es la forma en la cual nosotros vivimos nuestro día a día en El Salvador. Es un artista que, de una manera muy hábil, logró capturar la identidad del salvadoreño y hoy queremos concentrarnos en esa parte de nuestra identidad cultural. Y sobre todo conversar acerca del mejor escritor de todos, para mí. Creo que cuando escuchen sus historias también dirán: sí, es el mejor escritor de El Salvador”.

¿Quién era “Salarrué”? ¿Cuáles eran sus orígenes?

Nació el 22 de octubre de 1899 en Sonsonate, conocida como la ciudad de los cocos por su proximidad con la costa, una zona rodeada de montañas y con una tradición indígena muy marcada. Su abuelo era español.

A los ocho años fue llevado a vivir a San Salvador, la capital, y posteriormente a Santa Tecla, ciudad cercana donde estudió en el Liceo Salvadoreño. Su madre había sido escritora, por lo que desde niño estuvo rodeado de libros y de personas vinculadas al arte.

“Salarrué” consiguió una beca para estudiar en Estados Unidos cuando tenía 18 años. Estudió pintura en Baltimore, Maryland, razón por la cual siempre decía que su profesión era la de pintor.

En 1923, a los 24 años, contrajo matrimonio con la artista plástica Zélie Lardé Arthés, de padres franceses, quien fue la madre de sus tres hijas: Olga, Teresa y María Teresa.

Diplomaticos de El Salvador durante el evento.

“Salarrué” escribió Cuentos de Cipotes —como se les llama a los niños en El Salvador—, historias contadas desde el imaginario infantil, incluyendo su propio lenguaje; y Cuentos de Barro, relatos costumbristas de adultos. También escribió historias fantásticas que transportaban al lector a mundos imaginarios. Publicó numerosos libros y recopilaciones, obtuvo reconocimientos del Congreso de su país y recibió la Orden José Matías Delgado, una de las más importantes distinciones de El Salvador.

En 1975 falleció, dejando como legado sus secretos, sus pinturas y sus cuentos, que hoy continúan siendo compartidos. Mirella, entre sus lecturas animadas, contó cómo desde niña leía sus cuentos y cómo “Salarrué” se convirtió en su héroe literario.

Luego de la lectura de dos bellos cuentos, el evento continuó con una degustación de gastronomía salvadoreña.

Climate Change, Democracy and the Rising Voice of Youth in the Netherlands

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Climate Change, Democracy and the Rising Voice of Youth in the Netherlands

Climate change is no longer just an environmental issue. In the Netherlands, where much of the land lies below sea level and agriculture dominates, it has become a democratic challenge. Rising seas and extreme weather are not abstract threats – they are reshaping communities and demanding urgent policy action. Yet the most vulnerable voices are often the quietest in political debates.

Dion Huidekooper embodies the growing influence of youth in shaping this conversation. In November 2025 he transitioned from chairing the Jonge Klimaatbeweging (Youth Climate Movement) to becoming a Member of the House of Representatives for Democrats 66. With experience as an Energy and Climate advisor at the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate Policy and at Energie Beheer Nederland (EBN), Huidekooper brings a pragmatic, “climate-optimist” perspective, focusing on sustainability, the circular economy, environmental policy and long-term public transport solutions. His journey signals that youth activism is no longer just protest – it is now a path to formal power.

Dion Huidekooper

The stakes are high. Climate impacts are not evenly felt. Vulnerable communities in the Caribbean Netherlands and low-lying areas across the country face immediate threats, yet their needs are often overshadowed by powerful economic interests. Dutch democracy prides itself on consensus, but this system risks leaving the people most at risk unheard, unless institutions actively seek inclusive participation.

Youth movements are filling this gap. Beyond demonstrations, young people now engage directly in policymaking, advisory councils and civic initiatives. They push for policies that look decades ahead, advocating climate goals for 2040 and 2050 rather, than short-term electoral wins. By demanding a seat at the table, they challenge traditional politics to balance immediate pressures with long-term survival.

This generational shift is not merely symbolic. It is a test of Dutch democracy itself. Effective climate policy requires that both vulnerable communities and future generations influence decision making. Youth involvement demonstrates how democratic participation can strengthen environmental action, while injecting ambition, optimism and long-term thinking into political discourse.

The Netherlands faces a defining moment. Rising seas and intensifying weather are unavoidable realities. Whether democratic institutions adapt to include those most affected, and whether young voices like Huidekooper’s shape the policies of tomorrow, will determine the country’s resilience. For his generation, the fight for climate justice is inseparable from the fight for a stronger, more inclusive democracy.

This article is produced by Lauren van Laarhoven-Hargreaves, Beatrise Abelkalna, Alexandra Osina, Taeyun Kim, Matvii Drotsyk, Veronika Martemianova, Barbara Gama, Mariam Kirakossian, Charahja van Broekhoven, participants in the Bright Future Foundation, as part of the European Union’s “Participate & Promote Democracy” Youth Participation project, in cooperation with Diplomat Magazine, Embassy of the Netherlands in Armenia and young members of the Armenian partner organization Promising Youth.

The Bahamas: 2026 Investment Outlook at the Crossroads of Tourism and Maritime Trade

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The Bahamas: 2026 Investment Outlook at the Crossroads of Tourism and Maritime Trade

By Silas Cooper

Looking ahead to 2026, the country’s economic trajectory is shaped by the convergence of tourism recovery, maritime expansion, and fiscal recalibration. For European stakeholders assessing Caribbean engagement, key considerations include macroeconomic stability, climate vulnerability, demand concentration, security perception, and infrastructure capacity. The Bahamas presents a distinctive case: a tourism-driven economy reinforced by strategic maritime positioning, close proximity to the United States, and a long-standing tax-neutral framework.

Positioned along critical Atlantic routes and deeply integrated into North American travel flows, The Bahamas occupies a unique role within the wider transatlantic economic space. As European actors seek diversified partnerships in the Caribbean, the country offers a combination of established demand, geographic advantage, and evolving fiscal discipline.

Tourism as a Structural Economic Anchor

Tourism remains the central pillar of the Bahamian economy, contributing approximately 50–60% of GDP and accounting for the majority of foreign exchange earnings. Visitor numbers have rebounded strongly in the post-pandemic period, supported by sustained cruise growth and stable stopover demand.

The country’s proximity to Florida, extensive airlift connectivity, and mature resort infrastructure continue to underpin its competitive position within the Caribbean. This dynamic reflects not short-term recovery, but structural demand rooted in geography, income levels, and established travel patterns.

Beyond hospitality, tourism activity supports a broader ecosystem of services, including marina operations, cruise-linked retail, logistics, and security infrastructure, creating layered economic value across multiple sectors.

Maritime Positioning and Atlantic Connectivity

In parallel with its tourism sector, The Bahamas holds a strategic position along major Atlantic shipping and cruise corridors. Key hubs such as Nassau and Freeport serve as important nodes for cruise throughput, container transshipment, and maritime services.

Ongoing port redevelopment and capacity expansion reflect confidence in long-term growth in both passenger and cargo flows. These developments extend the country’s economic relevance beyond tourism, reinforcing its role within regional logistics networks and global maritime trade.

For European stakeholders, this position aligns with broader interests in secure, efficient Atlantic supply chains and resilient port infrastructure.

Fiscal Adjustment and Macroeconomic Direction

Public debt rose significantly in the aftermath of Hurricane Dorian and the COVID-19 pandemic. However, recent assessments by the International Monetary Fund indicate a return to fiscal consolidation, including primary surplus recovery and improved debt management.

Although debt-to-GDP levels remain elevated, the overall trajectory has stabilized. The direction of fiscal policy, characterized by gradual adjustment and institutional commitment, suggests a framework of managed recovery rather than systemic imbalance.

This evolving macroeconomic environment reflects a broader effort to strengthen credibility and maintain investor confidence while supporting long-term growth.

Transatlantic Demand and Market Concentration

Tourism flows remain heavily linked to the United States, reflecting geographic proximity, strong transport connectivity, and longstanding economic ties. While this concentration introduces exposure to U.S. economic cycles, it also provides a stable and predictable demand base.

Short travel times and high disposable income among U.S. travelers continue to support premium positioning within the hospitality sector. Historically, this corridor has underpinned consistent visitor volumes and maritime activity, reinforcing the resilience of the tourism model.

At the same time, there is gradual scope for diversification, particularly through targeted engagement with European and other international markets.

Climate Risk and Resilience Strategy

As a low-lying archipelago, The Bahamas faces significant exposure to hurricanes, sea-level rise, and climate-related infrastructure stress. These risks are structural and must be incorporated into long-term planning and development strategies.

In response, resilience has become increasingly embedded in national policy and investment frameworks. Climate adaptation financing, infrastructure reinforcement, and sustainability-focused redevelopment are gaining momentum, supported in part by international partnerships, including those with institutions such as the World Bank.

This evolving approach positions resilience not only as a necessity, but as a defining feature of future development across tourism and maritime infrastructure.

Security Perception and Economic Performance

Security concerns, particularly in urban areas such as Nassau, continue to feature in international discourse. However, tourism data indicates that visitor growth has remained resilient despite periodic negative perceptions.

Tourism zones and major resort areas typically operate with structured security frameworks and coordinated oversight. This distinction between national perception and sector-specific performance highlights the importance of localized, asset-level analysis.

Effective security integration remains a central component of sustaining confidence and ensuring operational continuity within key economic zones.

Infrastructure Capacity and Growth Pressures

Rising visitor volumes and expanding cruise operations have increased pressure on ports, airports, utilities, and urban infrastructure. While this presents operational challenges, it also reflects underlying demand strength.

Managing this growth will require continued investment in capacity expansion, modernization, and sustainability. Areas such as port development, transport systems, marina infrastructure, and energy integration represent important avenues for future development.

In this context, infrastructure pressure signals economic momentum, provided it is matched by coordinated planning and investment.

Strategic Outlook

The Bahamas occupies a distinctive position at the intersection of tourism-driven liquidity and maritime connectivity. Its role within Atlantic travel and trade routes, combined with ongoing fiscal adjustment and resilience planning, reinforces its relevance in a shifting global economic landscape.

For European partners, the country offers a platform for deeper engagement in sectors linked to infrastructure, sustainability, and services supporting international mobility and trade.

The Bahamas does not present a risk-free environment. However, it offers a combination of structural demand, geographic advantage, and policy evolution that distinguishes it within the Caribbean. As global attention increasingly turns toward resilient infrastructure, sustainable tourism, and secure maritime networks, The Bahamas is positioned to remain an important node within both regional and transatlantic systems.

About the author
Silas Cooper is Honorary Consul of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas in the Netherlands, focusing on economic diplomacy, bilateral relations, and strategic investment engagement.

Embassy Seminar on Dutch Labor Law 2026 Edition

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Embassy Seminar on Dutch Labor Law 2026 Edition

By Roy Lie Atjam

The Hague, 22 April 2026 – Russell Advocaten and Diplomat Magazine, in collaboration with Leonardo Royal Hotel, successfully hosted the 2026 edition of its annual Embassy Seminar on Dutch Employment Law for embassies and consulates in the Netherlands.

With decades of experience assisting diplomatic missions with legal matters, Russell Advocaten welcomed more than 90 participants, including ambassadors, deputy heads of mission, and HR officers.

The seminar, held from 9:30 to 12:00, followed by a lunch, was led by Mr. Jan Dop, LL.M., specialist in Employment Law, together with Reinier W.L. Russell, Managing Partner of the firm. Their presentations focused on the practical application of Dutch labour law for diplomatic missions, helping embassies better understand local legal obligations concerning locally hired staff in the Netherlands.

The conference addressed important issues including employment law, dismissal procedures, employee illness and sick leave obligations, personnel policies, handbooks and codes of conduct, employee participation, and works councils.

The lawyers also explained the legal responsibilities of employers regarding sick employees, including the mandatory involvement of the Arbo/company doctor and the financial consequences of non-compliance.

Particular attention was given to Dutch regulations concerning employee illness, including the principle that, in general, an employee cannot be dismissed during the first two years of illness. Through practical examples and interactive discussions, the seminar provided participants with a clearer understanding of complex Dutch labour regulations applicable to diplomatic missions.

Mr. Dop and Mr. Russell were assisted by four additional lawyers from Russell Advocaten, who answered numerous questions from participants and commented on specific cases raised during the seminar.

Beyond its legal value, the seminar also provided an excellent opportunity for representatives of diplomatic missions to exchange experiences with colleagues in a professional and discreet environment.

Coffee break at Leonardo Royal Hotel. Dutch Labor Law seminar for diplomats 2026.

Russell Advocaten Diplomatic Desk and Diplomat Magazine also shared the seminar notes and presentation materials with all attendees following the conference. Participants with additional questions or specific legal matters are invited to contact Russell Advocaten and its Embassy Desk specialists for further assistance regarding Dutch employment and labour law applicable to diplomatic missions in the Netherlands.

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