Top Democrat demands US probe into 4 Chinese firms potentially supplying Nexperia

Core Viewpoint - A senior US Democrat is calling for an investigation into four Chinese semiconductor firms linked to Nexperia, citing potential risks to the safety and reliability of automotive components used in the US and allied countries [1][2]. Group 1: Investigation Request - The request for investigation is part of ongoing tensions involving China, Europe, and the US, amid internal conflicts and supply-chain disruptions related to Nexperia [2]. - The letter was addressed to Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick and Jeffrey Kessler, head of the Bureau of Industry and Security, highlighting concerns over the shift to unvetted Chinese suppliers [5][4]. Group 2: Companies Involved - The four Chinese firms under scrutiny include Wuxi NCE Power, Hangzhou Silan Microelectronics, Yangjie Technology, and WingSkySemi, with WingSkySemi being the most likely candidate for investigation [3][6]. - Nexperia has suspended wafer supplies to its Chinese assembly plant, prompting the need for alternative suppliers from China [5]. Group 3: Safety Concerns - The shift to unvetted suppliers raises significant concerns regarding safety certification, quality control, and the reliability of components in critical vehicle systems [4][7]. - Yangjie Technology has stated it has not supplied wafers to Nexperia China, while the other companies did not respond to inquiries [7].