Nexperia issue 'should be solved now'

The European Union is willing to work with China to help ease tension in the dispute involving Nexperia, a Chinese-owned semiconductor company in the Netherlands, because the issue needs to be resolved thoroughly, said a senior official from the European Commission.

During a video call with Commerce Minister Wang Wentao on Wednesday, European Commissioner for Trade and Economic Security Maros Sefcovic expressed appreciation for China's efforts to push forward a resolution to the Nexperia dispute and helping to avert a crisis in the global semiconductor supply chain, according to a statement released by the Ministry of Commerce.

Wang said the Netherlands government's recent suspension of its administrative order against Nexperia represents only a small step toward a proper resolution.

However, the Netherlands' improper administrative and judicial intervention in the company's operations has not been lifted, the global semiconductor supply chain is yet to return to normal, and significant uncertainties remain, said Wang.

China hopes the EU will play a constructive role by pushing the Netherlands government to put forward a viable solution as soon as possible, creating favorable conditions for companies to conduct internal consultations, he added.

Both sides agreed companies, not governments, should take a major role in resolving the Nexperia dispute, and will jointly urge them to begin constructive talks as soon as possible on reaching a long-term solution and restoring stability and smooth functioning in the global semiconductor supply chain.

The two sides also exchanged views on issues related to China-EU export controls, said the statement.