Netherlands Seizes Chinese-Owned Chipmaker Nexperia Over Tech Security Fears

The Dutch government has taken control of chipmaker Nexperia, citing serious governance failures and risks to national security. The company is owned by Chinese firm Wingtech. 

Officials invoked the Goods Availability Act, a rarely used law, to intervene and block management decisions considered harmful.  The takeover allows government oversight without halting routine operations. 

A Dutch court also suspended Nexperia’s Chinese CEO, Zhang Xuezheng, and is appointing a independent non-Chinese board member with ultimate voting power.  Wingtech claims it will appeal and accused The Hague of political bias. 

Analysts say the move responds to mounting pressure from the U.S., which placed Wingtech on its entity list in late 2024 over security concerns.  The Netherlands now holds the power to reverse company actions and prevent technology “leaks.” 

This intervention underscores rising tension over semiconductor sovereignty between China and Western nations. It could become a key flashpoint in the global tech war.