Key facts
- Dutch Trade Minister Sjoerd Sjoerdsma said the Netherlands and China are cooperating well to resolve a dispute involving chipmaker Nexperia.
- The Nexperia dispute involves Nexperia China declaring independence from Nexperia Europe.
- Dutch authorities intervened in late 2025 over national-security concerns related to Nexperia.
- The visit also focused on U.S. pressure regarding ASML's semiconductor exports to China.
- U.S. lawmakers are considering the MATCH Act to further restrict China's access to advanced chipmaking equipment.
Dutch Trade Minister Sjoerd Sjoerdsma stated that the Netherlands and China are cooperating effectively to resolve a dispute involving the Chinese-owned chipmaker Nexperia, as he sought to reset bilateral ties during his visit to Beijing. This marks the first visit by a Dutch trade minister to China since 2018.
Sjoerdsma described discussions with Chinese Commerce Minister Wang Wentao as frank and forward-looking, aiming to move past previous frictions. The Nexperia dispute centers on control and governance issues after Dutch authorities intervened in late 2025 due to national security concerns. Nexperia China, supported by its parent Wingtech Technology, has declared independence from Nexperia Europe and is sourcing wafers from alternative Chinese suppliers.
The minister expressed confidence in the cooperation between Dutch and Chinese authorities to manage the fallout, noting that a lasting settlement would require an agreement between Nexperia Europe and its Chinese unit.
The visit also addressed mounting U.S. pressure on Dutch chip equipment maker ASML concerning semiconductor exports to China. U.S. lawmakers are considering the MATCH Act, which would further restrict China's access to advanced chipmaking equipment, including ASML's deep ultraviolet (DUV) lithography systems. ASML has denied U.S. allegations of shipping its most advanced extreme ultraviolet (EUV) lithography machines to China, asserting that strict Dutch export controls ensure materials do not end up in places that could endanger security.