Minister Maroto defends SAIC plant in Ferrol against Defence reservations
EL RIGOR · 10 de agosto de 2026, 21:46 · 2 min read
Cross-checked in sources from El País, Europa Press
The Industry Minister, Reyes Maroto, has defended the SAIC plant project in Ferrol, while Defence has expressed reservations about the installation due to potential espionage risks.
According to the press, the conflict between Industry and Defence over the SAIC plant in Ferrol remains unresolved. Minister Reyes Maroto has come out in support of the project, arguing that the government must balance national security with this historic opportunity for Galicia. However, Defence has raised concerns about the installation of the Chinese plant in Ferrol, pointing to potential espionage risks.
Defence's reservations have sparked a debate within the government on how to proceed with the project. The Industry Minister, Reyes Maroto, has insisted on the importance of the plant for Galicia’s economy, but Defence has maintained its cautious stance. According to the press, specific details about Defence's reservations or the exact number of jobs the plant would create have not been provided.
The situation has led to a point of tension between different ministerial portfolios. While Industry sees the project as a significant economic opportunity for the region, Defence is concerned about national security and the potential risks associated with the presence of a Chinese company on Spanish soil.
Reyes Maroto has firmly defended the project, stating that the government must balance national security with this historic opportunity for Galicia. This statement reflects the position of the Industry Ministry, which views the SAIC plant as an opportunity to revitalise the economy of Ferrol and all of Galicia.
However, Defence has maintained its cautious stance, expressing reservations about the installation of the Chinese plant in Ferrol. The press has reported that Defence has pointed to potential espionage risks, although specific details about these concerns have not been provided.
The conflict between Industry and Defence over the SAIC plant in Ferrol remains unresolved, and a definitive decision has yet to be reached. Minister Reyes Maroto has insisted on the need to find a solution that satisfies both the economic needs of Galicia and national security concerns.
It remains to be seen how the government will resolve this conflict between different ministerial portfolios. The next step will be to determine whether Defence's reservations can be overcome and the project can move forward, or whether additional measures will be taken to address national security concerns.
Piece prepared by the newsroom from cross-checked sources in several countries.