A deepening rift within Nexperia,a major semiconductor manufacturer,has escalated into a public dispute between it’s Chinese and Dutch divisions,revealing tensions stemming from geopolitical pressures and control of critical technology. Dutch Minister for Nature and Nitrogen Policy Christianne van der Wal on Thursday defended her decision to block the acquisition of Nexperia by a Chinese-owned entity, stating she would repeat the action given her current understanding.The conflict underscores the growing scrutiny of Chinese investment in strategically crucial sectors in Europe, particularly those related to semiconductors-a key component in modern electronics and a focal point of international competition. Beijing has sharply criticized van der Wal’s stance, labeling it “reckless and absurd,” while the internal clash at Nexperia highlights the challenges of operating a multinational corporation navigating complex geopolitical landscapes. The company, founded in the Netherlands and now majority-owned by Wingtech Technology, a Chinese company, has become a battleground for competing interests and national security concerns.
Van der Wal’s comments came during a parliamentary debate, where she reaffirmed her decision to prevent the complete takeover of Nexperia, citing national security risks related to the potential transfer of sensitive technology. “If I had been in the same position,with the knowledge I know now,I would have done the same thing again,” she stated.
The dispute centers around Nexperia’s operations in Britain, where the company attempted to acquire Newport wafer Fab, a UK-based chip manufacturer. Concerns over the potential for technology transfer to China prompted a national security review, ultimately leading to the intervention by British authorities and, subsequently, the Dutch government’s broader assessment of Nexperia’s ownership structure.
A recent SCMP webinar,”Behind the Nexperia crisis and China-Netherlands tech tensions | China Future Tech webinar,” explored the broader implications of the case,examining the escalating tech tensions between China and the Netherlands. The situation at Nexperia reflects a wider trend of increased government intervention in foreign investment, particularly in sectors deemed critical to national security and economic competitiveness. The outcome of this internal struggle and ongoing governmental scrutiny will likely set a precedent for future cross-border tech deals and further define the boundaries of international technology trade.