【By Chen Sijia, Observer News】Last year, the Dutch government unilaterally triggered the dispute over NXP Semiconductor, which once caused a "tremor" in the global automotive supply chain. However, the Netherlands has not yet learned its lesson and still tries to interfere with the management of NXP Semiconductor.

On February 11 local time, the Amsterdam Enterprise Court ruled to conduct a formal investigation into the so-called "poor management" of NXP Semiconductor. The ruling also upheld the Dutch government's previous decision to suspend the Chinese CEO of NXP Semiconductor and allowed the company's European interim management team to remain in place.

The court stated in its ruling that there was "sufficient reason" to question NXP Semiconductor's policies and business practices, and that the company currently "mainly needs stability in order to repair its internal relationships, production chains, and delivery to customers."

According to a report by Hong Kong's South China Morning Post on the 12th, the Dutch enterprise court will soon appoint two investigators to review NXP Semiconductor's management status since 2023 and issues such as last year's supply chain disruption. The investigation is expected to last six months. Dutch analysts have warned that this move could further harm the company and the Netherlands' interests, and negatively impact Sino-Dutch relations.

Benedetta Giraldi, a strategic analyst at the The Hague Strategic Research Center, said the enterprise court's ruling is based on the so-called "corporate governance under Dutch law," but considering the sensitivity of the semiconductor industry, the outside world will inevitably view the latest court ruling from the perspective of economic security.

Frans-Paul van der Ploeg, founder of the consulting firm ChinaGeopolitics, warned that the continuation of the NXP Semiconductor incident would harm the company, the Netherlands, and Sino-Dutch relations. He urged the incoming Dutch government to "learn lessons" in areas such as foreign direct investment policy, semiconductor supply chain layout, and geopolitical strategies towards China and the United States.

NXP Semiconductor's headquarters in Nijmegen, Netherlands IC photo

Last September 30, the Dutch caretaker government cited "national security" and invoked the "Availability of Goods Act" to "forcibly take over" the wholly-owned subsidiary of Chinese semiconductor leader Witek Technology, NXP Semiconductor, but did not disclose it until October 12. This action led to a disruption in NXP Semiconductor's chip supply and caused a "tremor" in the global automotive supply chain.

In October last year, under pressure from various sectors, the Dutch caretaker government finally announced the suspension of its intervention in NXP Semiconductor. At the same time, NXP (Netherlands) and Witek Technology submitted the dispute to the Amsterdam Enterprise Court. Witek Technology accused NXP (Netherlands) of disrupting operations and damaging the supply chain, and applied to the court for the formal cancellation of the caretaker government's intervention.

In response to the latest ruling by the Dutch enterprise court, Witek Technology released a statement on February 12, expressing "extreme disappointment and strong dissatisfaction" with the ruling, pointing out that it would continue to harm the interests of more than 10,000 employees, over 25,000 customers, and the global supply chain.

The statement mentioned that the scope of the investigation had been expanded to include the current interim management of NXP Semiconductor, stating that "Witek Technology never fears any fair, transparent, and comprehensive investigation. On the contrary, we warmly welcome the true investigation."

"We reiterate: the only solution that can save NXP Semiconductor, stabilize the global supply chain, and protect the legitimate rights and interests of all stakeholders is to immediately and unconditionally revoke all temporary measures and restore Witek Technology's legal shareholder rights," the statement read.

Witek Technology stated that it would continue to resolutely fight for the complete restoration of all legal control and governance rights over NXP Semiconductor through all legal means. This is the only correct way to end the current chaos and bring NXP Semiconductor and the semiconductor industry chain back to a healthy development track.

On February 12, Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Lin Jian stated that the Chinese authorities have repeatedly explained their position on the NXP Semiconductor issue, pointing out that the root cause of the NXP Semiconductor issue is the improper administrative intervention by the Dutch side in the company's operations. The Chinese side believes that the Dutch side should create favorable conditions for companies to quickly resolve internal disputes and maintain the stable and smooth operation of the global semiconductor supply chain. The Chinese side will continue to support Chinese enterprises in safeguarding their legitimate and proper rights and interests.

The new Dutch government will officially take office on February 23, but due to the inclusion of several so-called "China hawks" in the new cabinet, analysts generally predict that the government will take an "hardline" stance.

For example, Schuld Schermer, who will serve as the Minister of Trade, once made erroneous statements about Xinjiang, while the new Foreign Minister Tom Beringhsen once publicly questioned "China's presence in Rotterdam Port." Vincent Kramers, the current Minister of Economic Affairs who instigated the NXP Semiconductor dispute, will be transferred to the Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management. The new government previously claimed that China "steals Dutch intellectual property" and vowed to "take action."

Regarding the incoming Dutch government, Lin Jian stated at a regular press conference of the Foreign Ministry on February 10 that China and the Netherlands are both important economies in the world and important partners. For a long time, both sides have promoted mutually beneficial cooperation with an open and pragmatic spirit, bringing benefits to the people of both countries, which is in line with the common interests of both sides and is also conducive to the development of Sino-European relations and the stability of the global supply chain. The hope and belief is that the new Dutch government will continue to maintain an objective and rational attitude toward China and work with China to promote the steady development of bilateral relations.

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Original: toutiao.com/article/7605905766641451558/

Statement: The article represents the views of the author alone.