Nexperia in het oog van de storm: hoe een Nederlandse chiptekenaar het midden is in een geopolitieke strijd
Nijmegen, zondag, 12 april 2026.
De Nederlandse chiptekenaar Nexperia staat centraal in de stijgende spanningen tussen China en Nederland. Het bedrijf, eigendom van een Chinese staatsbedrijf, wordt steeds meer een breekpunt in de delicate relatie tussen Europa en Azië. Binnenkort zou de Chinese tak van Nexperia volledig lokaal kunnen produceren, zonder technologie uit Nederland. Dat verandert alles. De afhankelijkheid van westerse chipfabricage neemt af. ASML-directeur Christophe Fouquet waarschuwt dat dit soort conflicten de kwetsbare wereldwijde chipketen kan doen bezwijken. De implicaties reiken verder dan alleen technologie. Ze raken de kern van de mondiale economie en geopolitieke macht. Wat begon als een regionale investeringsdeal, dreigt nu een breuklijn te worden in de internationale samenwerking.
Nexperia’s shifting role in global semiconductor dynamics
The Dutch semiconductor manufacturer Nexperia, owned by Chinese entity Wingtech, is at the heart of escalating tensions between Beijing and The Hague. Recent developments indicate that Nexperia’s Chinese division is nearing full local production capability for chips, reducing reliance on Dutch technology [1]. This shift marks a significant evolution in the global semiconductor supply chain, traditionally dependent on Western fabrication expertise. The move could diminish Europe’s strategic leverage in chip manufacturing amid rising technological nationalism [2][3].
Geopolitical implications of localized chip production
As Nexperia advances toward self-sufficient chipmaking in China, the broader implications for international trade and security grow clearer. The Dutch government previously intervened to block Nexperia’s acquisition of a UK-based chip plant over national security concerns, reflecting wider unease among Western nations about Chinese ownership of critical infrastructure [3]. With China pushing for semiconductor self-reliance, similar cases may emerge. Such moves underscore a fragmentation of the once-integrated global chip ecosystem, driven by competing visions of technological sovereignty [1][4].
Warnings from industry leaders on supply chain fragility
Christophe Fouquet, CEO of ASML Holding NV, warned that unresolved disputes like the one surrounding Nexperia threaten the stability of the global semiconductor supply chain [1]. His comments, made during a Dutch television appearance in April 2026, stressed that even minor conflicts can escalate quickly without transparent dialogue [1]. The semiconductor industry functions as an interconnected network spanning continents, making diplomatic friction particularly dangerous. Disruptions in one node—be it due to export controls or ownership disputes—can ripple through the entire system, affecting everything from consumer electronics to automotive manufacturing [1][4].
European responses to growing tech dependencies
In response to increasing technological competition, the European Union has outlined ambitious plans to strengthen its semiconductor sector. By 2030, the bloc aims to produce 20% of the world’s semiconductors, up from approximately 10% in previous years [4]. This ambition is supported by the upcoming Chips Act 2.0, intended to boost investment and resilience. However, internal divisions remain, especially regarding how strictly to align with U.S. export controls on advanced technologies bound for China. Balancing economic openness with strategic autonomy presents an ongoing challenge for EU policymakers [4].