Netherlands considers banning Chinese students from enrolling in 'sensitive' majors

Although it does not specifically mention China, the bill's main purpose is to prevent mainland students from accessing sensitive materials while studying in the country.

This is the latest escalation in the diplomatic war between the Netherlands and China over the semiconductor industry. Earlier this year, the “tulip” government agreed to join US efforts to further tighten the export of chip technology to China, and launched an investigation into the acquisition of a local chipmaker by Nexperia, a Beijing-owned company.

Chinese students and interns could be banned from applying for "sensitive" technology majors in the Netherlands

The Dutch Ministry of Education has confirmed it is considering mandatory screening measures for students and researchers in sensitive fields. It said the measures would be neutral and not aimed at any particular country.

Meanwhile, a recent report by the Dutch intelligence agency said China “is the biggest threat” to the country’s economic security, even though Beijing is also its largest trading partner.

Many Dutch companies and institutions find it difficult to assess the risks of economic and scientific cooperation with China, as “disadvantages often only become apparent in the long term,” the security agency said.

The report also pointed out that “corporate takeovers and academic collaborations” are ways China targets Dutch high-tech companies and institutions.

Earlier this year, ASML Holding, a key cog in the global semiconductor industry, accused a former employee working in China of stealing company secrets.

The Netherlands, one of the world’s leading suppliers of semiconductor machinery and expertise, is facing growing pressure from Washington to create a global blockade that would stifle Beijing’s chipmaking capabilities. Yet China is one of the biggest customers of ASML, the Netherlands’ and Europe’s most valuable technology company.

According to the Wall Street Journal, the number of US visas issued to Chinese students has decreased by more than 50% in the first half of 2022 compared to the period before Covid-19.

In addition, the Dutch government is also implementing the Investment Security Review, Mergers and Acquisitions Act, which allows them to limit the size of investments or block deals by international companies on national security grounds.

Current Dutch regulations allow universities to make independent decisions on applications from international students, as well as researchers applying to sensitive topics. If they are unable to make a decision, they have the option of contacting the government for advice.

(According to Bloomberg)

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