From July 7 to 9, 2026, Sjoerd Sjoerdsma, Dutch Minister for Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation, led a delegation of 17 Dutch enterprises to China, covering sectors including logistics, agriculture, and high technology. Chip giants such as ASML and NXP were among the most closely watched participants. This is the first economic and trade visit by a Dutch minister to China since April 2018. Having been sanctioned by China in 2021 over remarks related to Xinjiang, Sjoerdsma’s trip is widely seen as a breakthrough to thaw relations and restart economic and trade cooperation between the two countries.

Nexperia Dispute Takes Center Stage as China and Netherlands Seek Smooth Cooperation

On the first day of the visit, Minister Sjoerdsma co-chaired the 18th China-Netherlands Joint Economic and Trade Commission with Chinese Commerce Minister Wang Wentao. Speaking to Reuters after the meeting, he stated that the two sides are cooperating “extremely well” to resolve the Nexperia dispute, with candid and forward-looking discussions. Both sides, he noted, aim to move past a period of friction.

Headquartered in the Netherlands and owned by China’s Wingtech Technology, Nexperia is a major global supplier of power semiconductors. In September 2025, the Dutch government attempted a forced takeover of Nexperia citing national security concerns. Although the order was later withdrawn, court rulings remain in effect, continuing to restrict Wingtech’s control over Nexperia’s Dutch headquarters. In May this year, backed by Wingtech, Nexperia China announced independent operations separate from its European parent, shifting procurement to domestic wafer suppliers. Wingtech has also filed a lawsuit at Dongguan Intermediate People’s Court, seeking at least 8 billion yuan in damages under the Anti-Foreign Sanctions Law and demanding full restoration of control over Nexperia.

Minister Sjoerdsma emphasized that the government is taking a constructive approach to managing the situation, but a lasting solution will require direct agreements between Nexperia’s European and Chinese entities. China’s Ministry of Commerce urged the Netherlands to safeguard semiconductor supply chain stability, properly resolve corporate disputes, and foster a fair, just, and predictable investment environment for Chinese companies in the Netherlands, while welcoming greater Dutch investment in China.

As Nexperia China moves toward independent operation and builds a local supply chain, Xinzhiyun has secured direct order authorization from Nexperia China with inventory available. As an authorized Nexperia semiconductor distributor, Xinzhiyun provides ready stock and rapid delivery of full-series chips through its integrated supply chain system.

ASML Under U.S. MATCH Act Pressure; Dutch Export Controls Under Scrutiny

Another key focus of the visit was export restrictions on ASML equipment to China. As the world’s leading lithography manufacturer, China is ASML’s largest market, yet the firm faces growing pressure from the United States. The U.S. Congress is advancing the MATCH Act, which would require allies to tighten restrictions on DUV lithography exports to China, further limiting ASML’s business in the country. ASML has repeatedly confirmed it has not shipped its most advanced EUV systems to China.

Minister Sjoerdsma stated that Dutch semiconductor export controls are designed to prevent sensitive technologies from threatening national security and will be implemented strictly and precisely. Industry observers note the Netherlands is seeking a balance between its U.S. tech alliance commitments and access to the Chinese market: complying with U.S. technology control demands while avoiding excessive restrictions that would harm ASML, a cornerstone of its economy. The visit is viewed as an effort to secure more flexible export terms for ASML.

Memorandum Signed to Guide Bilateral Ties Toward Managing Differences, Expanding Cooperation

Beyond semiconductor issues, the two sides held an entrepreneur roundtable and signed a Memorandum of Understanding on Establishing the China-Netherlands CEO Council, creating a regular platform for corporate engagement. Ahead of the trip, Minister Sjoerdsma said the goal was to strengthen bilateral trade, openly discuss concerns, and explore new cooperation opportunities. The delegation included major firms such as Philips and KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, underscoring the Netherlands’ strong interest in the Chinese market.

China’s Foreign Ministry noted that China and the Netherlands are important partners, and both sides will promote the healthy and stable development of bilateral relations in an open and pragmatic manner. Experts from the Chinese Academy of International Trade and Economic Cooperation stated the visit shows the Netherlands remains committed to resolving differences through dialogue amid global economic uncertainty. Significant cooperation potential remains in advanced manufacturing, technological innovation, and green development.

Chip Disputes Reshape Global Supply Chains; Sino-Dutch Balance Faces Ongoing Tests

The resolution of the Nexperia dispute will affect not only the overseas interests of Chinese-invested firms but also the stability of the global power semiconductor supply. Meanwhile, shifts in ASML’s export policy will directly impact wafer foundry capacity and the structure of the global chip chain. While the visit signals a thaw in China-Netherlands relations, the Netherlands continues to face pressure in navigating U.S.-China tech competition. The progression of the U.S. MATCH Act, legal and political deadlock over Nexperia, and ongoing restructuring of the global semiconductor supply chain will continue to test the resilience of Sino-Dutch economic and trade cooperation.