Netherlands takes control of Chinese Nexperia due to concerns about technology leaks

The Dutch government has taken control of computer chip manufacturer Nexperia, which is owned by Chinese company Wingtech, as part of an extraordinary measure. The move was in response to concerns about the possible transfer of technological know-how to China.

The Dutch Ministry of Economic Affairs stated that this was the first time it had made use of the extraordinary powers provided for in the law.

The measure allows the government to intervene in the management of the company and block decisions that could jeopardize the economic or security interests of the Netherlands. However, Nexperia's production in Nijmegen, the Netherlands, continues without interruption.

The parent company Wingtech described the intervention as “disproportionate and geopolitically biased.” According to its own statements, the current measures temporarily restrict control over Nexperia and could slow down decision-making processes.

The company also confirmed that the CEO had been temporarily removed from office by a decision of the Amsterdam court and replaced by an independent person.

The Dutch side emphasized that the decision was made without the involvement of the United States—even though both countries work closely together to control the export of chip technologies. Washington had previously placed Wingtech on the list of companies that pose a security risk.

(reuters, sie)