The Chinese billionaire accused of stealing Britain’s chip industry

Core Viewpoint - The situation surrounding Nexperia and its CEO Zhang Xuezheng highlights the intersection of technology transfer, geopolitical tensions, and the implications for the automotive supply chain in Europe, particularly amid a global chip shortage [3][4][5]. Company Overview - Nexperia, a semiconductor company, was acquired by Zhang's Wingtech in 2019, representing a significant investment in the semiconductor sector [10][11]. - The company specializes in power chips essential for modern vehicles, especially electric ones, and has faced supply chain disruptions that threaten car production across Europe [5][10]. Recent Developments - The Dutch government seized control of Nexperia under a Cold War-era law, citing concerns over Zhang's alleged plans to transfer technology to China and misuse company resources for personal gain [7][22]. - Zhang has been removed as CEO by a Dutch court, and his absence has raised questions about the company's future operations [7][20]. Geopolitical Context - The seizure of Nexperia has been interpreted as part of the broader tech war between the U.S. and China, with the Dutch government acting in response to U.S. export restrictions [4][21]. - The situation has escalated tensions with China, which has blocked exports of Nexperia products and instructed local staff to disregard orders from the Netherlands [6][20]. Financial Implications - Zhang's net worth has significantly decreased from $2.2 billion to an estimated $1 billion, reflecting the financial strain on his business ventures [12]. - Allegations have emerged that Zhang placed excessive orders worth $200 million with his other company, WingSky Semi, raising concerns about financial mismanagement [18]. Industry Impact - The ongoing crisis has raised national security concerns in the UK, where Nexperia operates a major facility, and has implications for the broader European automotive industry due to the critical role of semiconductors [5][15]. - The potential transfer of technology from Nexperia to China has been a focal point of scrutiny, with Dutch officials emphasizing the need to preserve European production capabilities [22].