October 2025
The Dutch government intervenes in the ownership and governance of semiconductor producer Nexperia, citing national security and strategic supply-chain concerns.
Background
Nexperia, originally a Philips spin-off and later acquired by China-based Wingtech,
became a focal point of European concerns over foreign control of critical
semiconductor production, particularly legacy chips vital to automotive and
industrial sectors.
Legacy
– Precedent for European intervention in foreign-owned tech firms
– Escalation of EU-China technology friction
– Increased uncertainty in legacy semiconductor supply chains
Key Moment
Perspective & Relations
Narratives
 | Netherlands | Framed as a defensive act to safeguard national security and strategic industrial capacity in an era of geopolitical fragmentation. |
 | China | Viewed as discriminatory treatment of Chinese investment and a politicization of normal commercial activity. |
| European Union | Seen as aligned with broader EU ambitions for strategic autonomy in sensitive technologies. |