Arnhem, Netherlands

The Dutch province of Gelderland's capital, Arnhem, severed ties with Wuhan in 2021 due to China's persecution of the Uyghur people. A majority of the Arnhem city council members voted against the mayor's proposal to maintain links with Wuhan and ongoing human rights discussions with China.

“We believe that human rights violations are taking place on a massive scale in China and the situation of the Uyghurs and other minorities in China is deteriorating by the day and that under these circumstances it is immoral to maintain city ties with China”, quoted from the parties.  

Established in 1999, the sister-city association between Arnhem and Wuhan proved advantageous for commerce. Though the twinning arrangement did not yield any investment from China, it is estimated that breaking relations with Wuhan would have a negative economic impact on the region. The decision to detwin with China upset the Chinese as expected. The Dutch national government was even questioned by Wuhan authorities why it did not stop Arnhem from severing connections.

The council of Arnhem chose human rights over economic interests. This portrays an example that kowtowing to Chinese economic power is optional.