Chinese staff go rogue after Dutch seize control of chip firm

Core Viewpoint - The Dutch government has seized control of Nexperia due to national security concerns, leading to tensions between the Netherlands and China, as the company instructs its Chinese staff to disregard orders from the Netherlands headquarters [2][4][6]. Group 1: Company Control and Management Changes - Nexperia China has informed its employees that they have the "right to refuse" orders from the Nijmegen headquarters without facing disciplinary actions, indicating a rebellion against the Dutch government's control [2][3]. - The Dutch government removed Nexperia's Chinese leadership, replacing CEO Zhang Xuezheng with Stefan Tilger, the company's financial chief, due to "serious managerial shortcomings" that compromised operations [5][6]. - The Dutch government's actions were influenced by pressure from Washington, which threatened export controls if Zhang remained in his position [3][6]. Group 2: National Security Concerns - The Dutch government expressed concerns that Nexperia's operations were being compromised in an "unacceptable manner," raising broader issues regarding the availability of critical semiconductor products for the European industry [6]. - Wingtech, Nexperia's owner, was placed on Washington's tech blacklist last year for allegedly aiding Chinese government efforts to acquire sensitive semiconductor manufacturing capabilities [6][7]. Group 3: Company Background and Market Position - Nexperia is a major player in the semiconductor industry, known for supplying low-tech chips used in consumer electronics, with factories across Europe, including in Stockport, Greater Manchester [5]. - The company was acquired by Wingtech for $3.63 billion in 2018 and was originally formed as an independent entity in 2006 after being spun out of Philips [7].