Chinese espionage targeting the Netherlands’ advanced chip industry has escalated into a national security crisis, with Dutch officials warning of broader implications for the European Union’s technological sovereignty.
At a Glance
- Dutch Defense Minister warns of intensified Chinese cyber espionage targeting high-tech industries
- Semiconductor sector seen as a primary strategic target due to its global importance
- Chinese spies previously breached the Dutch military network in 2023
- Netherlands joins U.S.-led chip export restrictions on China
- EU urged to reduce dependencies and tighten tech security measures
Beijing’s Eyes on Dutch Microchips
The Netherlands, home to some of the world’s most advanced chip manufacturing capabilities, has emerged as a prime target of Chinese espionage operations. Defense Minister Ruben Brekelmans confirmed that China is actively attempting to steal sensitive intellectual property from Dutch firms. “The semiconductor industry, which we are technologically leading… that’s interesting to China,” he said, underscoring the stakes for both national security and economic competitiveness.
The Dutch firm ASML, a global leader in chipmaking equipment, has long been a focal point of these threats. According to military intelligence, the espionage spans beyond chips, reaching into aerospace and maritime sectors—all vital to both civilian and defense industries.
Watch a report: China’s Espionage Network Exposed in the Netherlands.
Cyber Infiltrations and Policy Shifts
Cyberattacks attributed to Chinese state actors have become more frequent and complex. “It’s continuing,” Brekelmans emphasized, referencing new intelligence reports that label China as the Netherlands’ most active cyber adversary. The breach of the Dutch military network in 2023 marked a turning point, intensifying bilateral tensions and prompting reevaluations of the Dutch digital security posture.
The growing threat has aligned Dutch policy more closely with U.S. efforts to curb China’s access to advanced technologies. The Netherlands recently joined an American-led coalition to restrict chipmaking exports to China—an economic countermeasure now laden with strategic symbolism.
China’s government has not officially commented on these new accusations but typically denies involvement in cyber-espionage claims. However, patterns across Europe and North America suggest a consistent effort to appropriate high-value technologies via covert means rather than homegrown innovation.
Toward a More Secure Europe
Minister Brekelmans argues that the stakes are continental, not just national. “[China is] using their economic position for geopolitical purposes and also to pressure us,” he warned, highlighting the urgency of reducing strategic dependencies on Chinese resources and technology.
This espionage campaign has reignited EU discussions on strategic autonomy in tech, prompting calls for a unified European approach to safeguarding critical sectors. Initiatives may include greater investment in cyber defense, tighter vetting of foreign investments, and expanded export controls on sensitive technologies.
The situation reinforces the idea that technology, once seen primarily as an economic asset, is now a central battleground in global power struggles. The Netherlands, despite its size, sits at the heart of this struggle due to its technological sophistication. If the EU hopes to retain sovereignty over its digital future, coordinated vigilance will be essential.
