Wingtech Appeals Dutch Takeover of Nexperia, Calling It “Unprecedented”

Amsterdam, Nov. 22, 2025 — Chinese semiconductor firm Wingtech has formally appealed a Dutch government decision to seize control of its Netherlands-based chip unit Nexperia, calling the intervention an illegal deprivation of property. Documents show Wingtech initially filed the appeal on October 21 and later expanded its case on November 10, arguing that the move by the Ministry of Economic Affairs lacks legal merit.

In its appeal, Wingtech’s lawyers described the order as disproportionate and unprecedented under Dutch law. They urged the government to revoke the decision, which had stripped much of Wingtech’s control over Nexperia. Although the Netherlands has temporarily suspended its direct intervention following “constructive” talks with Chinese officials, it has not reversed the original takeover order.

The dispute follows a sweeping move by the Dutch government in September to invoke emergency powers under the Goods Availability Act — a rarely used law — to place Nexperia under tighter state oversight. The intervention was justified by concerns that Wingtech’s founder, Zhang Xuezheng, might move key European operations back to China.

Wingtech and Beijing have also demanded that the Netherlands drop a separate court case accusing Zhang of mismanagement. In October, a Dutch court indeed ordered Zhang’s removal from his top executive role. Wingtech’s appeal underscores the broader geopolitical tensions enveloping the global semiconductor industry, particularly over control, trust and technological sovereignty.