Business
Exclusive: Dutch Semiconductor Giants Join China Delegation Amid US Curbs
Seventeen executives, including ASML and NXP, will join Dutch Trade Minister Sjoerd Sjoerdsma’s China trip, avoiding human rights and Taiwan arms discussions. Nexperia won’t join due to legal issues.
Key Points
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Representatives from ASML and NXP will join Dutch Trade Minister Sjoerd Sjoerdsma on a trade trip to China in early July, excluding Nexperia due to a legal issue with Chinese owner WingTech.
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Business executives agreed to the trip provided Sjoerdsma avoids discussing human rights or Taiwan arms sales. Concerns arose after Agriculture Minister Silvio Erkens suggested sensitive topics might be addressed.
- Sjoerdsma previously faced tensions with Beijing over alleged Xinjiang human rights abuses and advocating arms support for Taiwan. ASML and NXP have not officially confirmed their participation.
In early July, Dutch Trade Minister Sjoerd Sjoerdsma will lead a delegation to China comprising 17 business executives from semiconductor powerhouses like ASML and NXP. Interestingly, Nexperia will not participate due to its ongoing legal issues with its Chinese parent company, WingTech. This absence is notable given the focus on semiconductor industry representation.
The decision for these executives to join hinges on a crucial condition: Sjoerdsma must avoid discussing sensitive topics such as human rights and arms sales to Taiwan. Initially, there was hesitance within the Dutch business community due to concerns that Sjoerdsma might address politically charged issues during the visit.
Tensions were heightened after Silvio Erkens, Sjoerdsma’s cabinet colleague, hinted on a Dutch talk show that contentious topics could surface during the trip. Sjoerdsma’s prior history adds complexity, as he previously faced sanctions for criticizing alleged human rights abuses in China and had advocated for arms sales to Taiwan, actions that put him at odds with Beijing.
Although ASML refrained from commenting and NXP has yet to respond regarding their participation, the visit’s delicate nature and the strategic importance of maintaining business relations illustrate the intricate balancing act between economic interests and political sensitivities.
