China blames Netherlands for chip supply disruption after Nexperia seizure
China has accused the Netherlands of failing to cooperate in resolving a dispute over the Dutch government’s seizure of chipmaker Nexperia, warning that the move risks deepening disruptions in the global semiconductor supply chain.
In a statement on Tuesday, China’s Ministry of Commerce said the Netherlands had “persisted in its unilateral course” by taking control of Nexperia — a Netherlands-based semiconductor firm owned by Chinese parent Wingtech Technology — and had not responded to Beijing’s offers to resolve the issue.
“The Dutch side persists in its unilateral course without taking concrete actions to resolve the issue, which will inevitably deepen the adverse impact on the global semiconductor supply chain,” the ministry said, urging the Dutch government to “stop interfering” in Nexperia’s internal affairs.
The Netherlands took control of Nexperia on September 30, citing national security concerns linked to its Chinese ownership. Nexperia produces large volumes of basic chips used in the automotive industry, with around 70% of its products packaged in China before being distributed globally.
Beijing’s warning follows growing anxiety among European carmakers and suppliers, who are seeking exemptions to Chinese export restrictions imposed on Nexperia’s China-made products shortly after the Dutch takeover. Industry analysts warn that continued curbs could halt European assembly lines and trigger worker furloughs.
The Chinese ministry said Beijing had acted “responsibly” by granting limited export exemptions but that the Netherlands had not reciprocated. It also urged the Dutch government to consider the impact on China-EU trade relations.
A spokesperson for the Dutch Ministry of Economic Affairs confirmed that discussions with Beijing are continuing.
“We remain in contact with the Chinese authorities and our international partners to work toward a constructive solution that is good for Nexperia and our economies,” the spokesperson told Reuters on Tuesday.
Despite some diplomatic engagement, key challenges remain. Nexperia’s China operations have reportedly suspended wafer supplies from Europe, while its local unit is asserting independence from Nexperia Netherlands. Meanwhile, a Dutch court has suspended former CEO and Wingtech founder Zhang Xuezhen, citing mismanagement.
The standoff has become a test case for Europe’s balancing act between economic security and trade cooperation with China, as the semiconductor industry becomes increasingly entangled in geopolitics.
Following last week’s talks between U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping, the White House said Beijing had pledged to “take appropriate measures” to resume trade from Nexperia’s China facilities.
EU Trade Commissioner Maros Sefcovic also said on Monday that “progress” had been made in discussions among the Dutch, Chinese, and EU authorities — though he offered no details.
As the world’s chip supply chains remain fragile, the Nexperia dispute underscores how political interventions — even in a single company — can send ripples through the global tech and automotive industries.
Source: UNB/AP