Germany’s government blocked on Nov. 9 the sale of two domestic semiconductor factories to Chinese-owned companies, citing security concerns.
Habeck noted that the decision came because the “security of order in Germany must be protected and critical production areas require special protection.”
Elmos Semiconductor, which makes chips for the automotive industry, was barred from selling its factory in Dortmund, Germany, to Silex, a Swedish subsidiary of China’s Sai Microelectronics.
The company said it would examine the details after receiving the decision and decide on what further steps to take.
Rising Security Concerns
The decision by Germany’s government comes amid rising concerns over European countries’ dependence on Beijing and concerns that Chinese investment in its critical infrastructure could leave it exposed to national and economic security issues, as well as to political pressure from the Chinese communist regime.Semiconductors are an essential component in everything from electronic devices such as mobile phones to electric vehicles.
He also noted that the sale of a second company had been turned down by the government, but he didn’t name the companies involved, citing “trade secrets.”
It’s unclear which Chinese company was interested in buying the German firm.
ERS Electronic hasn’t publicly commented on the matter. Company officials didn’t respond to a request by The Epoch Times for comment by press time.
Germany’s decision to halt the sale of the semiconductor factories comes as the country is facing a recession that has been further exacerbated by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and the subsequent energy crisis.
Last week, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz met with Chinese leader Xi Jinping for a meeting that focused on business ties between the two nations as Germany’s relationship with Russia continues to deteriorate.