Dutch government seizes control of Nexperia, prompting Chinese staff to defy orders from Netherlands headquarters. Washington pressured the move due to national security concerns, threatening export controls. Tensions rise between The Hague and Beijing over the semiconductor giant, a major player in the industry with factories across Europe.

CEO Zhang Xuezheng ousted, replaced by Stefan Tilger after Dutch government cites “serious managerial shortcomings” compromising European operations. Wingtech, Nexperia’s owner, previously blacklisted by Washington for aiding Chinese government in acquiring sensitive semiconductor capabilities. Wingtech acquired Nexperia for $3.63bn in 2018.

Nexperia, originally spun out of Philips in 2006, faced security concerns in the past – the British government ordered the sale of its Welsh factory in 2023. Dutch government worried about availability of critical semiconductor products in Europe, leading to the takeover amid broader geopolitical tensions. Staff urged to follow instructions from Nexperia China to safeguard interests.

Read more at Yahoo Finance: Chinese staff go rogue after Dutch seize control of chip firm