On Verge of Chip Crisis, China Fights Dutch Nexperia Ruling

• Dutch restrictions on chipmaker Nexperia draw Beijing’s fury.
• Wingtech condemns Netherlands over legal chipmaker freeze.

On November 21, 2025, Caixin Global reported that Wingtech filed a fresh appeal against Dutch intervention into its chipmaker Nexperia, calling the move illegal and disproportionate. The Chinese technology firm remains locked in a legal and political dispute with the Dutch government, highlighting vulnerabilities in the global semiconductor supply chain amidst national security concerns and geopolitical tensions.

The controversy escalated when Wingtech accused the Dutch government of orchestrating a "systematic and illegal deprivation" of its governance rights. The firm's appeal requests a reversal of all actions, including the Dutch Enterprise Court’s October 7, 2025 ruling that stripped Wingtech of control over Nexperia.

This legal battle centers on actions enabled by the Dutch Goods Availability Act and the court decision in October. According to Yicai Global, Wingtech’s shares were transferred to a trustee, and the company’s founder, Zhang Xuezheng, was suspended as CEO. The Dutch government justified these measures by citing concerns over the relocation of intellectual property to China.

On November 19, 2025, Dutch Minister of Economic Affairs Vincent Karremans announced the suspension of the government’s direct intervention as a “gesture of goodwill” to ease tensions with Beijing. The Guardian reported Karremans emphasized national security concerns and the necessity of preventing governance issues within Nexperia. Despite this suspension, restrictions on Wingtech’s management rights remain in place, leaving control of the company unresolved.

Wingtech has continued its legal challenges, declaring it “will never accept any attempt to ‘legalise’ illegal outcomes.” According to Just Auto, the firm has dismissed Dutch restrictions on governance rights as unlawful.

The international implications of the dispute grew as the Chinese government intervened. China Daily reported that Commerce Minister Wang Wentao raised concerns over the Dutch actions with U.K. and U.S. officials. A ministry spokesperson described the recent suspension as a “first step” and urged further action to restore Wingtech’s control of Nexperia entirely.

This conflict has laid bare significant vulnerabilities in the global semiconductor supply chain, which faces heightened demand across industries. Additionally, the intervention follows Wingtech’s inclusion on the U.S. “Entity List” in December 2024, restricting its access to critical American technology.

In conclusion, the Dutch government’s suspension of its direct intervention may signal some attempt to reduce tensions, but the underlying legal and geopolitical issues remain unresolved. Wingtech continues to dispute the legitimacy of the Dutch actions, and Beijing is ramping up international pressure to reverse the measures entirely. The ongoing situation underscores the fragility of global technology supply chains amidst intensifying competition and scrutiny.