Dutch Government Takes Control of China-Owned Chipmaker Nexperia, Citing Security Concerns

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The Dutch government has taken control of Chinese-owned chipmaker Nexperia, escalating tensions with Beijing amid intensifying global disputes over semiconductor technology and intellectual property.

Reuters reported on Oct. 13 that the Hague stated late on Oct. 12 that it had intervened in Nexperia, citing concerns over potential technology transfers to its Chinese parent, Wingtech. The move, which triggered a 10% drop in Wingtech’s Shanghai-listed shares on Oct. 13, was carried out under the “Availability of Goods Act,” a Dutch law invoked for the first time.

While the state will not take ownership of Nexperia, it now has the authority to block or reverse management decisions deemed harmful to national interests. Meanwhile, the company’s production continues as normal.

In a statement, the government said administrative problems at Nexperia threatened “crucial technological knowledge,” adding that “the loss of these capabilities could pose a risk to Dutch and European economic security.”

Wingtech called the intervention “excessive interference driven by geopolitical bias,” alleging that non-Chinese Nexperia executives had attempted to “forcibly alter the company’s equity structure through legal proceedings.”

According to a Dutch court ruling, Wingtech CEO Zhang Xuezheng was suspended from his Nexperia board role on Oct. 1 over “well-founded reasons to doubt” management actions. Dutch businessman Guido Dierick was appointed to replace him, and control of Nexperia’s shares was transferred to a Dutch lawyer.

Wingtech was placed on the U.S. “entity list” in 2024 for allegedly aiding China’s semiconductor ambitions. The company said it was consulting lawyers and seeking government support to “protect the legitimate rights and interests of the company.” Wingtech, which bought Nexperia in 2018 for $3.63 billion, said it complies with all relevant laws and regulations.