CNI and Army warn of risk posed by Chinese factory in Ferrol

Intelligence Services and Army Warn of Risks from Chinese Factory in Ferrol

The CNI and the Army have warned about the security risks posed by the opening of a Chinese car factory operated by SAIC Motor near the Navy's Arsenal in Ferrol.

According to Defence reports, the proximity of the plant to critical installations such as the Arsenal and Navantia shipyards could expose sensitive technologies and military movements to potential threats. The presence of the Chinese company could affect the international perception of the port as a secure zone for NATO and the European Union. The United States might block the transfer of key military technology if it considers that the Chinese factory endangers the security of Spain's naval programmes.

SAIC Motor's factory will be situated close to the military arsenal in Ferrol, a key naval port used for anchoring and maintaining the F-100 Frigates and C Class Supply Ships. In the Ferrol port, Navantia has a shipyard with a direct workforce of 1,885 employees and a total impact of 9,000 jobs in the area.

SAIC Motor's initiative aims to bypass European tariffs of up to 45% on imported Chinese vehicles by producing within the EU. The project involves an initial investment of €200 million and the creation of 1,000 direct jobs. The Galician government has declared the industrial project strategic to expedite procedures.

However, the proximity of the plant to highly sensitive military installations could facilitate industrial, electronic, or naval movement espionage. Although the Navy and Navantia will reinforce their protection systems, the CNI points out that the greatest risk lies in auxiliary industries: many local SMEs that work both for Navantia and SAIC Motor, which could open the door to attempts to recruit personnel by Chinese intelligence.

The presence of a Chinese factory could reduce interest from potential foreign buyers, such as Portugal, Belgium, or the Netherlands. SAIC Motor's factory could expose Spanish frigate movements to a "systemic rival." The Navy and Navantia will soon work to enhance the security of their facilities.

The next step will be to evaluate how additional security measures will be implemented and how the relationship between SAIC Motor's factory and nearby military installations will be managed. NATO and the European Union will also need to review the situation to determine whether the presence of the Chinese factory affects the port of Ferrol's status as a secure zone.

Piece prepared by the newsroom from cross-checked sources in several countries.