Netherlands Plans Talks with China to Resolve Nexperia Chipmaker Export Dispute

The Dutch government has seized control of Nexperia, a Chinese-owned chipmaker critical to global car manufacturing, prompting China to ban exports of the company's finished products and escalating diplomatic tensions. Dutch Economy Minister Vincent Karremans announced plans to meet with a senior Chinese official soon to resolve the dispute, emphasizing the intervention aims to protect European technology and supply chains, not to align with the US. The seizure followed concerns about the transfer of operations and intellectual property out of Europe, specifically after removing Nexperia's Chinese CEO, Zhang Xuezheng. The export ban threatens global automotive production, with warnings of shortages from major carmakers and industry groups, as Nexperia produces vast quantities of essential chips primarily at its Hamburg facility before shipping to China for packaging. Karremans remains optimistic about finding a solution through diplomatic talks, rejecting China's claim that the Dutch acted under U.S. pressure, while highlighting ongoing discussions with both Nexperia and Chinese officials to lift the export ban and prevent supply chain disruptions. Meanwhile, internal tensions between Nexperia's European headquarters and its Chinese unit have surfaced, further complicating the situation.