China Slams Netherlands Over Chip Supply Dispute, Threatening Global Semiconductor Industry
Tensions between China and the Netherlands escalated on Tuesday as Beijing strongly criticized Amsterdam for seizing chipmaker Nexperia, citing it as a major obstacle in resolving a technology transfer dispute that's crippling car sector supply chains.
The Chinese commerce ministry stated that the Dutch government should "stop interfering" in Nexperia's internal affairs, warning that its unilateral actions would only worsen the impact on global semiconductor supplies. This statement contradicts previous messages from Beijing, Brussels, and Nexperia indicating progress towards a solution to the issue.
In September, the Dutch government took control of Nexperia, citing concerns over Wingtech, the Chinese owner, planning to shift production to China, posing a threat to European economic security. However, China responded by cutting off exports of finished chips from Nexperia, which are mainly packaged in China.
European carmakers and suppliers have scrambled to secure chip supplies from Nexperia, with some seeking alternative sources or applying for exemptions to import chips from China. Companies like Jeep and Stellantis have expressed concerns over the supply chain disruptions, highlighting Europe's vulnerability compared to rival markets in China.
Industry leaders are calling for a swift resolution, with Mercedes-Benz CEO Ola Kaellenius stating that there's an understanding emerging between China, Europe, and the US, which could lead to a more stable semiconductor supply chain.
Tensions between China and the Netherlands escalated on Tuesday as Beijing strongly criticized Amsterdam for seizing chipmaker Nexperia, citing it as a major obstacle in resolving a technology transfer dispute that's crippling car sector supply chains.
The Chinese commerce ministry stated that the Dutch government should "stop interfering" in Nexperia's internal affairs, warning that its unilateral actions would only worsen the impact on global semiconductor supplies. This statement contradicts previous messages from Beijing, Brussels, and Nexperia indicating progress towards a solution to the issue.
In September, the Dutch government took control of Nexperia, citing concerns over Wingtech, the Chinese owner, planning to shift production to China, posing a threat to European economic security. However, China responded by cutting off exports of finished chips from Nexperia, which are mainly packaged in China.
European carmakers and suppliers have scrambled to secure chip supplies from Nexperia, with some seeking alternative sources or applying for exemptions to import chips from China. Companies like Jeep and Stellantis have expressed concerns over the supply chain disruptions, highlighting Europe's vulnerability compared to rival markets in China.
Industry leaders are calling for a swift resolution, with Mercedes-Benz CEO Ola Kaellenius stating that there's an understanding emerging between China, Europe, and the US, which could lead to a more stable semiconductor supply chain.
china is like "stop messin with our Nexperia" but holland is all "nope we're good" meanwhile car companies are like "help us" 
it's like the whole semiconductors industry is holdin up because of a big dispute... i mean china can't cut off exports and expect europe to be all cool about it 
holland needs to chill out but at the same time, if they're worried about wingtech movin production to china then they should probs do smthn about it 
industry leaders are callin for a resolution ASAP so we don't have any more drama... fingers crossed! 
. They think they can just swoop in and take control of Nexperia without any consequences? That's some old-school colonialism right there 
. And now China is all up in arms, threatening global semiconductor supplies? It's like they're saying "Hey, Europe thinks it can just dictate to us? Think again!" 
. And what about the US, huh? Are they going to step in and save the day like they always do, or are they just waiting for someone else to clean up China's act? 
. It's just more proof that global politics is all about playing the chicken game and seeing who blinks first 
.
you can't just bully other countries like that. seizing nexperia is not interference it's just taking control of something that's clearly a security risk for europe. and china's all dramatic about it because they're afraid of losing their grip on the global chip market. newsflash: your economic power isn't as secure as you think 
i mean, europe has its problems too, but at least they're trying to find a solution instead of just throwing tantrums 
and btw, have you seen jeep's new car designs? 
they're so fire 
. I just hope they can sort something out soon, before things get even more complicated. It's like when Nokia was king of the mobile world back in the day 
... but that's a whole different story.
. Maybe it's time for them to put aside their differences and work together? Who knows? All I know is that this whole thing has me feeling a bit nostalgic for the good old days... 
i hope mercedes benz is right and we can get back to some stability in the industry 
... I mean, one wrong move can send shockwaves through an entire industry 
. We need some kinda middle ground here – maybe some kind of trade agreement or something? 
It'd be crazy if Europe and China couldn't work out a solution without the US getting involved