UK defence firms warn workers 'don't charge phones in Chinese electric car'

A number of defence firms have urged staff to avoid plugging their smartphones into an electric car made in China over fears that the vehicles could be used for Chinese state spying. As with many markets in Europe, Chinese cars have rapidly increased in popularity over the past two years, with many Brits choosing one due to their bold designs and affordable prices.

However, a growing number of companies have warned their employees to take several precautions when using a Chinese-made car to keep themselves and the firms safe.

Speaking to The i Paper, an unnamed defence firm executive stated that they felt the need to make employees aware of "sensible" measures due to the rise in Chinese car sales in the UK.

He explained: "The sale of Chinese cars is growing in the UK, and we are, rightly, cautious about that. We are making our staff aware of the sensible precautions to take if they choose to buy a Chinese EV."

The fear surrounding Chinese-made vehicles originated when it was revealed that the Ministry of Defence (MoD) banned all cars produced in the country from their sensitive military sites.

According to The i Paper, some organisational employees were requested to park their Chinese cars at least two miles away from the site where they were working.

A number of other UK companies, including Rolls-Royce, Lockheed Martin, and BAE Systems, have urged Chinese car owners to follow similar measures and requested that employees do not discuss work when inside these vehicles.

However, a spokesperson for OMODA & JAECOO UK highlighted that the vehicles sold by the company comply with all local regulations that are set by reputable organisations.

They explained: "OMODA & JAECOO UK Limited and parent company Chery International take every aspect of our customers’ experience very seriously, and that includes their data privacy.

"As a long-term exporter of cars to over 80 countries around the world, we make every effort to comply with all local regulations, wherever possible working with the most respected national institutions to achieve that. This is equally the case in the UK, where we have a strong support from our European R&D centre near Frankfurt."

According to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), 94,168 new cars sold in the UK during 2024 were made in China, with the figure set to rise as more companies launch in the country.

During the first quarter of 2025, MG was the best-selling Chinese car brand in the UK, with 24,641 models from the now Shanghai-based manufacturer entering the country.

However, newcomers are also facing strong starts, with 3,235 cars from JAECOO being registered, and the Stellantis-owned Leapmotor sold 193 examples during the first three months of the year.