Chery Automobile research center near UK military site sparks espionage concerns

A former British military intelligence officer has raised concerns regarding a new research and development center by the Chinese automaker Chery Automobile. The facility is located at the UTAC Millbrook site in Bedfordshire, a large testing area used extensively by the UK Ministry of Defence for testing wheeled and tracked military vehicles, including the Boxer armored personnel carrier.

Phil Ingram, a former Colonel in the British Army Intelligence Corps, warned that the proximity of a Chinese company specializing in advanced technologies to a critical military testing site poses a significant security risk. He noted that modern electric vehicles utilize high-resolution cameras, radar, and laser sensors that could potentially be used to collect sensitive data on military installations and activities. Ingram also cited China’s National Intelligence Law, which requires Chinese companies to cooperate with state intelligence agencies.

Chery Automobile has denied these allegations, stating that its UK operations are strictly limited to vehicle engineering and development. The company emphasized that its investment complies with British laws and regulations, asserting that cybersecurity and data privacy are top priorities.