In late September, the Dutch government invoked a Cold War-era emergency law to take control of a Chinese-owned chip company that has operations in the country.
The extraordinary move set off a chain of events that sent shock waves through the global motor industry – already battered by US tariffs and China's curbs on rare earth exports.
In a statement to the Netherlands parliament, the minister of economic affairs cited "serious governance shortcomings and actions within Nexperia" that "posed a threat".
"This measure is highly exceptional and intended solely to ensure that the continuity of supply and safeguarding of critical technologies for the Dutch and European economy are not put at risk," the statement said.
Beijing reacted furiously, accusing the Netherlands of political interference.
