In a severe blow to Beijing's tech ambitions, the Dutch government has invoked a new security law to take control of Wingtech-owned Nexperia, citing threats to the EU's critical supply chain.
CaliToday (10/11/2025): In a dramatic escalation of Europe's "de-risking" strategy, the Dutch government announced in early October 2025 that it has taken strategic control of Nexperia, a key semiconductor manufacturer based in Nijmegen.
The company, which was acquired by China's Wingtech Technology in 2019, is now under direct state oversight, a move that effectively neutralizes Beijing's control over a critical European tech asset.
The "Surgical" Intervention
This is not a full-scale nationalization in the traditional sense. Instead, the Dutch government has deployed a new, powerful legal tool: the "Goods Availability Act" (Wet beschikbaarheid goederen).
The government's official justification stated there were "serious indications of governance and actions at the company that could threaten the ability to secure the supply of key components in the Netherlands and/or Europe."
This law allows the Dutch state to intervene in a company's operations without taking on full ownership. The government now holds the power to block or reverse major management decisions made by Nexperia's leadership, particularly any actions that are deemed a risk to the Netherlands' economic security.
In short, while Wingtech may still hold the financial equity, it has lost its operational autonomy.
🏭 Why Nexperia Matters
Nexperia is not a household name like ASML, but it is a critical cog in the global semiconductor machine.
Originally a Dutch company (a spin-off from NXP Semiconductors), Nexperia is a high-volume producer of essential semiconductors, such as transistors and diodes, which are fundamental components for the automotive industry, 5G infrastructure, and consumer electronics.
Its 2019 acquisition by Wingtech was seen at the time as a major strategic victory for China, giving it a solid foothold in Europe's advanced tech ecosystem. The Netherlands, home to the irreplaceable chip equipment giant ASML, has since become the ground zero for the global tech war, under immense pressure from the U.S. to restrict Chinese access to its technology.
A New Front in the Tech War
This move marks a significant hardening of Dutch policy. For years, the Netherlands has walked a tightrope, balancing its deep economic ties with China against its strategic security alliance with the United States.
However, this intervention signals a new phase.
From Export Bans to Asset Control: While the Dutch government had already restricted ASML from selling its most advanced machines to China, this Nexperia action is different. It moves beyond denying technology to China and into the realm of reclaiming control over domestic assets already in Chinese hands.
"De-Risking" in Action: This is a clear example of the EU's "de-risking" (not decoupling) policy. The goal is to ensure that a critical supply chain—in this case, for automotive and industrial chips cannot be disrupted or weaponized by a geopolitical rival.
A Precedent for Europe: The Nexperia case is now being watched closely by Germany, France, and the UK, which all have similar Chinese investments in sensitive sectors. The Netherlands has provided a legal blueprint for how to claw back control without triggering an all-out diplomatic crisis over expropriation.
The move is a powerful statement: Europe is no longer just playing defense on exports; it is now going on offense to secure its own industrial and economic sovereignty.