Amsterdam: The Netherlands has taken decisive steps in addressing concerns surrounding chip manufacturer Nexperia, amidst fears that significant technological know-how and production capabilities could be transferred out of the country and Europe. This development was reported by NOS news on Monday.
According to Anadolu Agency, the Ministry of Economic Affairs in the Netherlands identified "acute signals of serious administrative shortcomings and actions" at Nexperia, which is based in Nijmegen. However, the ministry has not disclosed further specifics regarding these concerns. Documents from Wingtech Technology, Nexperia's Chinese parent company, reveal that the company's top executive, Zhang Xuezheng, was suspended and subsequently removed from his position by the Enterprise Chamber of the Amsterdam Court of Appeal earlier last week.
The ministry further stated that there is a potential risk of a knowledge leak that could threaten the economic security of both the Netherlands and Europe. Consequently, this intervention grants the Dutch authorities the ability to block or reverse company decisions deemed harmful to the interests of the company, its future as a Dutch and European entity, or the maintenance of this essential value chain for Europe.
The government has invoked the 1952 Goods Availability Act, marking its first use, emphasizing that the action is taken 'only when absolutely necessary.' This measure aims to guarantee the availability of chips for Dutch and European industries during emergencies, as highlighted in the report.
In response to the Dutch government's restrictive measures, China's Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian expressed opposition to what he characterized as the overstretching of national security concepts and discriminatory actions against companies from specific countries. Lin stressed that relevant countries should uphold market principles and avoid politicizing economic and trade issues. He also affirmed China's determination to protect its legitimate rights and interests, according to the Beijing-based Global Times.