Catenaa, Thursday, January 01, 2025- China called on the Netherlands to correct what it described as “mistakes” regarding chipmaker Nexperia and to remove obstacles to stabilizing the global semiconductor supply chain.
The dispute stems from the Dutch government’s September move to take control of Nexperia, a Dutch subsidiary of Chinese firm Wingtech, citing concerns that the founder might relocate technology and production to China.
In response, Beijing blocked exports of Nexperia’s chips, widely used in automotive and consumer electronics applications.
China’s commerce ministry said the Netherlands’ actions constituted unilateral interference and called on the Dutch government to restore stability and security to the global chip market.
The ministry described the Dutch position as “perplexing” and said the Netherlands must bear responsibility for the supply chain crisis.
The Dutch government suspended its intervention in November as talks with China continued. Wingtech has since entered discussions with court-appointed custodians of Nexperia over control of the company. Economic Affairs Minister Vincent Karremans defended the initial decision, stating it was necessary despite being “not enjoyable.”
The intervention has intensified tensions over semiconductor production, a sector critical to global technology and automotive industries.
Both governments have emphasized negotiations, but the dispute highlights the broader geopolitical sensitivity surrounding chip supply, foreign investment, and technology transfer between China and Europe.
