Dutch Chip Maker Nexperia Refutes Claims by Ousted Chinese CEO Amid International Tensions

Nexperia, the Dutch semiconductor manufacturer, has strongly denied accusations made by its recently ousted Chinese CEO Zhang Xuezheng, calling his statements “factually incorrect and misleading.” According to Bloomberg, Zhang had claimed that Dutch management was withholding employee salaries and suggested that Chinese workers could operate independently from the parent company.

“Claims have been made that Nexperia has not been paying salaries to its employees,” the company stated in an official response. “These statements are factually incorrect and misleading.” The chip maker assured stakeholders that all its facilities are continuing to operate normally despite the ongoing leadership dispute.

The allegations reportedly appeared on an official Nexperia China WeChat page over the weekend, suggesting that the Chinese unit of Nexperia could function as an independent entity—a claim the parent company firmly rejects.

This dispute represents the latest development in what has become an increasingly contentious international struggle over Nexperia’s ownership. The conflict began several weeks ago when the Dutch government unexpectedly intervened to take control of the chip maker, citing the need to protect sensitive technologies from being transferred to China.

Subsequent investigations revealed that the Dutch government had acted under pressure from US regulators, who had raised concerns about Zhang Xuezheng. According to reports, Zhang had allegedly been diverting Nexperia funds and orders to support his own privately-held silicon manufacturing business—a potential conflict of interest that alarmed Western officials.

The situation escalated further when Chinese authorities responded by blocking exports from Nexperia’s Chinese facility, significantly disrupting the company’s global supply chain and creating tension between European and Asian operations.

Dutch Economy Minister Vincent Karremans, who currently holds approval authority over all Nexperia management decisions as part of the government takeover, is working to resolve the international dispute. Karremans is scheduled to meet with his Chinese counterpart in the coming days, with the European Commission potentially serving as a mediator in the negotiations.

Defending the Dutch government’s intervention on a Sunday television program, Karremans explained the strategic importance of maintaining European control over semiconductor technology. “Europe would have been 100% dependent for these sort of chips, in terms of knowledge, expertise and capacity, on foreign countries,” he told viewers of the Buitenhof show, emphasizing the national security implications of allowing foreign control of the company.

Nexperia has established itself as a significant player in the semiconductor industry, specializing in processors used in consumer electronics, household appliances, agricultural machinery, and automotive applications. While the company doesn’t manufacture chips using cutting-edge lithography processes, the struggle over its ownership represents a significant development in the broader global competition for control of semiconductor supply chains.

Industry analysts view this conflict as part of the escalating technology trade war between the United States and China, with European companies increasingly caught in the middle. The semiconductor industry has become a focal point of international tensions due to its critical role in modern economies and national defense systems.

As the dispute continues, Nexperia faces challenges maintaining operational stability and preserving its market position. The company must navigate complex geopolitical pressures while reassuring customers, employees and investors that it can fulfill its production commitments despite the ownership uncertainty.

The outcome of this case could establish important precedents for how European technology companies balance national security concerns with international business relationships in an increasingly divided global marketplace.