Poland Bans Chinese-Made Vehicles from Military Sites Over Espionage Fears

Poland is barring Chinese-manufactured vehicles from entering military installations, reflecting a significant escalation in Western concerns over the national security threat posed by connected-car technology.The Polish military announced the policy this week, warning that modern vehicles equipped with sensors, cameras, and connectivity systems could be exploited for surveillance and data collection near sensitive defense facilities.“As a result of the risk analysis related to the growing integration of digital systems in vehicles and the potential possibility of uncontrolled acquisition and use of data by these systems, the Chief of the General Staff of the Polish Armed Forces decided to introduce a ban on the entry of motor vehicles manufactured in the People’s Republic of China into the areas of protected military facilities,” a statement from Colonel Marek Pietrzak said.Under the new rules, military personnel are also prohibited from connecting government-issued mobile phones to infotainment systems in Chinese-built cars.Defense officials characterized modern connected vehicles as potential intelligence-gathering tools rather than simple transportation. Cars today are packed with high-resolution cameras, radar, lidar sensors, and constant internet connectivity — features that are designed to help drivers but are capable of collecting location data, video, and audio.Polish authorities described these vehicles as “smartphones on wheels,” highlighting their ability to transmit information without the drivers’ knowledge.Colonel Pietrzak explained the rationale behind the decision: “Modern vehicles equipped with advanced communication systems and sensors can collect and transmit data, so their presence in protected zones requires appropriate safety regulations. The measures introduced are preventive in nature and are in line with the practices used by NATO countries and other allies to ensure the highest standards of defense infrastructure protection.”The ban arrives as Chinese automakers gain substantial market share in Poland. According to Rzeczpospolita, Chinese brands accounted for nearly 15 percent of new passenger vehicle registrations last year — a striking figure in a market historically led by European manufacturers.Electric vehicle makers such as BYD have expanded aggressively across Europe, offering competitively priced models loaded with advanced technology. This rapid growth has drawn increased attention from defense and intelligence agencies.A recent assessment from Poland’s Eastern Research Center warned that China’s military-civil fusion strategy and cyber capabilities could transform connected-vehicle data into a strategic intelligence asset. The report suggested information collected on European roads might potentially be shared with adversarial governments, including Russia.Poland joins other NATO members implementing restrictions on Chinese vehicle technology. The U.K. Ministry of Defense banned vehicles containing Chinese components from sensitive military locations and training facilities last year.The United States is pursuing the most comprehensive approach. Federal regulators plan to prohibit Chinese software in connected vehicles starting March 2025, with a complete hardware ban scheduled for 2029. American officials have expressed concerns that foreign-controlled automotive technology poses risks to national security and critical infrastructure.

Poland Bans Chinese-Made Vehicles from Military Sites Over Espionage Fears

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