The Dutch government announced on Sunday that it has intervened in the operations of Nexperia, a chipmaker owned by Chinese firm Wingtech, due to potential risks to Dutch and European economic security. This decision is described as "highly exceptional" by the government.
In a statement made on Monday, Wingtech indicated that it would take actions to protect its rights and seek support from the government. The intervention was made under the Goods Availability Act, which allows the Dutch Ministry of Economic Affairs to act in cases of "acute signals of serious governance shortcomings" within a company.
The law is designed to enable the government to intervene in companies under exceptional circumstances, particularly when there are threats to the country’s economic security or to ensure the supply of critical goods. Nexperia specializes in the production of semiconductors used in various applications, including automobiles and consumer electronics.
This intervention highlights ongoing concerns regarding foreign ownership of critical technology firms in the Netherlands and Europe.
