A timeline of the Sino-Dutch row over the control of chipmaker Nexperia

Core Insights - The seizure of Nexperia by Dutch authorities has led to a conflict between its headquarters in the Netherlands and its China unit, which aims to operate independently [1] - The situation highlights the fragility of global automotive supply chains, as disruptions in Nexperia's legacy chip shipments could impact major car manufacturers in Europe, Japan, and the United States [1] Timeline of Events - September 29: The US Bureau of Industry and Security extended export control restrictions to entities at least 50% owned by companies on the trade blacklist, affecting Nexperia due to its ownership by Wingtech Technology, which was blacklisted in December [3] - September 30: The Dutch Ministry of Economic Affairs seized control of Nexperia, citing national security concerns and invoking the Goods Availability Act, restricting asset relocation without government permission for one year [4] - October 4: In response, China's Ministry of Commerce issued an export control notice preventing Nexperia's China unit and subcontractors from exporting specific components, with the Dongguan facility responsible for 70% of global output [5] - October 7: The Dutch Enterprise Chamber ousted Nexperia's CEO Zhang Xuezheng and placed voting rights of shares held by Wingtech under an independent administrator, appointing CFO Stefan Tilger as interim CEO [6] - October 17: Nexperia's China unit reported that salary payments would cease and access to company systems would be suspended, describing the situation as "ruthless suppression" [7]