Taiwan and the Netherlands are talking up closer cooperation, a positive sign for Taipei's push for more friends in Europe at a moment when the chip supply chain is the glue holding the relationship together.

• More than 250 Dutch politicians, business figures, and overseas Taiwanese attended Taiwan's National Day reception in The Hague.
• Taiwan's representative Tien Chung-kwang pitched Taiwan as a trustworthy partner built on democracy, rule of law, and an open society.
• Chips are the core of the tie-up: Taiwan makes over 90% of the world's most advanced chips, pairing ASML's machines with TSMC's manufacturing.
• Dutch support has gone beyond words this year, including backing Taiwan's participation at the World Health Assembly and sailing a navy frigate through the Taiwan Strait in June.
• Local Dutch officials want more: Flevoland province is courting Taiwanese high-tech investment, and Haarlemmermeer credits Taiwanese firms near Schiphol airport with creating local jobs.

Outlook: Expect more Dutch trade and tech delegations to Taiwan, with Beijing likely to push back on any further official contact.