The i Paper has reported that the “Ministry of Defence has banned electric (EVs) with Chinese components from sensitive sites and military training bases.”
It said that Salisbury Plain, as well as RAF Wyton in Cambridgeshire, are believed to have been subject to these new rules.
In March, Conservative Lord Robathan asked in Parliament whether there are any restrictions on the movement of Chinese-manufactured electric vehicles onto Ministry of Defence barracks or training areas.
The i Paper has alleged that there are security fears relating to EVs at military bases (Image: MOD) Life peer Lord Coaker responded by saying that the Ministry of Defence takes the security of defence assets “very seriously”, and policies and procedures take account of the potential threats from all types of vehicle, not just those manufactured in China.
He said: “There are no centrally mandated policy restrictions on the movement of Chinese-manufactured vehicles.
“We are aware that individual defence organisations may have stricter requirements relating to electric vehicles on some sites, but we do not provide specific details for security reasons.”
The i Paper reported that senior officials recently “became alarmed” by realising that EVs driven by military personnel may be being tracked or that sensors could be used to collect intelligence for the Chinese government.
A spokesperson from the Chinese Embassy has said: “China has always firmly opposed any form of cyber attacks and cyber espionage. The claim that China intends to “spy via EVs” is completely groundless and a malicious slander.
“Chinese electric vehicles are popular around the world, thanks to their technological innovation and excellent quality formed in the fierce market competition.
“We hope that the British side will stop abusing the excuse of national security, respect the rules of the market economy and the principle of fair competition, and provide an open, fair and non-discriminatory business environment for Chinese companies.”
In a statement, the Ministry of Defence has said: “Protecting national security is our top priority and we have strict procedures in place to ensure that government sites and information are appropriately protected.
“We are continually monitoring to understand and mitigate potential security threats from a wide range of technologies.
“This Government has helped develop new international regulations to clamp down on potential threats in vehicle construction, monitor emerging threats and respond to any cyber-attacks.”
The MOD did not directly confirm if Salisbury Plain had been subject to the ban.