Enhanced Chinese Spy Activities Surface in the Netherlands
The Netherlands has witnessed an uptick in cyber espionage activities originating from China, particularly in its semiconductor sector. In a statement during the 2025 Shangri-La Dialogue conference in Singapore, Dutch Defense Minister Ruben Brekelmans expressed concern over China's increasing interest in acquiring Dutch semiconductor intellectual property, referring to it as an "intensifying" trend.
According to the latest intelligence reports, China is identified as the principal cyber threat to the Dutch semiconductor sector. Minister Brekelmans reiterated this viewpoint, stating that China represents the biggest cyber danger, with the threat progressively deepening. He further explained that China is leveraging its economic clout for geopolitical purposes and pressure tactics.
The Dutch military intelligence service's annual report from April 2024 highlighted Chinese spies' aggressive targeting of the Netherlands' semiconductor, aerospace, and shipping industries. The objective, according to the report, is to bolster China's military capabilities. Beijing typically denies such cyber-spying allegations, maintaining that it rejects any form of cyber-attacks.
This escalation in cyber espionage is of significant concern given the Netherlands' position as the global leader in extreme ultraviolet (EUV) lithography machines vital for advanced chip manufacturing. The semiconductor industry is thus a prime target for industrial espionage.
In response, the Dutch government is focusing on strengthening cybersecurity measures, intending to bolster defenses around critical infrastructure and intellectual property within the semiconductor sector. There are also calls for coordinated action at both the EU and individual member state levels to reduce reliance on external technology suppliers and create a more resilient supply chain.
Industry collaboration is seen as crucial in detecting, preventing, and mitigating espionage attempts. This includes increased cooperation between industry leaders, government agencies, and cybersecurity firms. The Dutch government is also using international forums such as the Shangri-La Dialogue to raise awareness and foster cooperation among allies facing similar threats.
This ongoing threat signifies the substantial geopolitical and economic implications of semiconductor leadership, with the Netherlands positioned at the crossroads of both the challenge and response to Chinese cyber espionage.
- The Dutch Community policy and Employment policy are expected to address the rising concern over China's interest in acquiring Dutch semiconductor intellectual property, as China poses the biggest cyber danger in the semiconductor industry.
- Given the Netherlands' leading role in the semiconductor industry, particularly in EUV lithography machines crucial for advanced chip manufacturing, the Finance ministry is investing in strengthening cybersecurity measures to protect the sector from industrial espionage.
- With China's involvement in cyber espionage impacting the Dutch semiconductor, aerospace, and shipping industries, the government is encouraging collaboration in technology, cybersecurity, and politics to create a more resilient supply chain.
- The escalating cyber espionage activities, originating from China and targeting the semiconductor sector, reveal the enormous geopolitical and economic implications of semiconductor leadership, particularly in the aerospace, finance, technology, and general-news industries.
