The Netherlands should not underestimate China's determination to protect its rights, says an editorial from [publication name]. Global Times
The Dutch government's intervention in the Chinese-owned company Nexperia is being described as "21st-century piracy."
247 - The Chinese newspaper Global Times published a scathing editorial on Monday (13) harshly criticising the Dutch government's decision to intervene in Nexperia, a subsidiary of the Chinese company Wingtech.
The publication of the Global Times He claims that the European country is carrying out "severe persecution" under the pretext of "national security" concerns and warns that Beijing will not tolerate the violation of its companies' rights.
Unprecedented intervention and Chinese reaction
On September 30, the Dutch Ministry of Economy imposed an administrative order limiting Nexperia's business decisions, which, according to the editorial, "effectively deprived the Chinese shareholders of normal control of the company."
The measure was described by the Dutch government as a "highly exceptional" decision to protect the "economic security of the Netherlands and Europe."
Wingtech reacted immediately, issuing a statement protesting what it called "discriminatory treatment directed at companies funded by China."
O Global Times He classified the intervention as "21st-century piracy," highlighting that it seeks to "appropriate the capital and technological achievements that Chinese companies took years to build."
Escalating tensions between China and the West
The Dutch government's decision generated strong international repercussions. Financial Times He stated that the measure "increases friction between Western countries and China in the high-tech sector," while the Bloomberg He warned that the action could "further aggravate tensions between Beijing and the European Union."
According to the editorial, the Dutch actions “go far beyond normal trade regulation” and have “characteristics of political coercion and blatant discrimination.” The text also argues that the measure “violates the principles of the market economy and fair competition,” undermining the confidence of international investors in the European market.
"Violating international rules," he says. Global Times
"What is at stake is not just a dispute between the Dutch government and a Chinese company, but an affront to international rules," says the... Global Times"The international community cannot tolerate such predatory actions disguised as legal or security measures."
The newspaper also highlighted that the intervention follows the example of the United States, which, under President Donald Trump, intensified its crackdown on Chinese companies under the same argument of "national security."
Beijing promises to fight back and protect its companies.
On Monday, a spokesperson for the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that the country “opposes the undue expansion of the concept of national security” and “any discriminatory act against companies from certain countries.” According to the spokesperson, the Chinese government is “firmly determined to defend its legitimate rights.”
The editorial noted that China has a solid legal framework to respond to such measures, including... Foreign Anti-Sanctions Law, which protects the interests of Chinese companies abroad. "No one should underestimate China's firm determination and full capacity to defend its own interests," the text emphasized.
"Economic colonialism" and a historical warning.
O Global Times The article compared Dutch actions to colonial practices of centuries past, accusing the country of "cloaking in legality an asset confiscation motivated by political interests." "Some Western countries today treat 'national security' as a license for piracy—a manifestation of colonial genes awakening in the 21st century," the newspaper criticized.
The text notes that since Wingtech acquired Nexperia in 2019, the company has been operating stably and contributing positively to the Dutch economy. Even so, "the main risk faced by Chinese companies today does not come from market competition, but from predatory commercial practices disguised as security measures."
Chinese economic growth strengthens resilience.
Despite external pressures, data from China's General Administration of Customs shows that the country's exports grew 8,3% in September compared to the previous year, while imports rose 7,4%. Exports of industrial robots advanced 54,9% year-to-date, and green products—such as electric locomotives—registered double-digit growth.
According to analysts cited by Global TimesThese figures reflect the resilience of the Chinese economy and indicate that, even in the face of Western protectionism and restrictions, China's trade relations with the world continue to deepen.
The choice between openness and protectionism.
The editorial concludes that the world faces a clear choice: "either it returns to the colonial paths of protectionism and unilateralism, or it builds a new model of openness, inclusion, and shared prosperity."
The publication warns the Netherlands that "ignoring the course of history is like lifting a stone only to have it fall on one's own feet," reiterating that Beijing is prepared to respond to any attempt to illegally restrict the rights of its companies.
