Government Acts to Mitigate National Security Concerns
The Dutch government has taken control of Nexperia, a semiconductor company owned by China’s Wingtech Technology, citing major governance issues and risks to state security. In an official statement, the Ministry of Economic Affairs confirmed that it had exercised special emergency powers to restrict the authority of Nexperia’s senior management and install independent leadership. The firm, headquartered in Nijmegen, became part of Wingtech’s holdings in 2019.
Protecting Sensitive Technology and Industrial Capabilities
Authorities said the move was designed to secure Dutch access to key semiconductor technologies and prevent critical knowledge from leaving the country. While the intervention limits high-level decision-making, production and employment at Nexperia are expected to continue uninterrupted. The action reflects a broader European push to safeguard strategic industries amid increasing scrutiny of Chinese investment in advanced technology sectors.
Wingtech Disputes Action, Plans Legal Response
Wingtech has rejected the Netherlands’ decision, calling it unjustified and politically motivated. The Chinese parent company maintains that it has complied with all relevant legal and regulatory standards and announced its intention to contest the measures in court. The intervention marks the first time the Dutch government has used its emergency economic powers to step into a foreign-owned technology firm, signaling a firmer stance on protecting vital national assets.
