The Polish army says “no” to Chinese vehicles. A ban has been introduced

On Tuesday (February 17), the General Staff of the Polish Army published a press release regarding the new security requirements.

“As a result of the risk analysis related to the increasing integration of digital systems in vehicles and the potential possibility of uncontrolled acquisition and use of data by these systems, the head of the SGWP 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,” said Colonel Marek Pietrzak.

The SGWP spokesman indicated that this was intended to “strengthen the protection of military infrastructure and reduce potential security threats.” “In order to reduce the risk of access to sensitive data, a ban has also been introduced on connecting business phones to infotainment systems in motor vehicles manufactured in the PRC,” he added.

The military has introduced a new ban on Chinese cars

The General Staff further said that the restrictions “also cover other motor vehicles equipped with integral or additional devices enabling position, image or sound recording.” “Such vehicles will be able to stay in the areas of protected military facilities provided that certain functions are disabled and appropriate preventive measures resulting from the facility protection rules are applied,” noted Col. Pietrzak.

For its part, the military intends to designate areas where Chinese vehicles can be left. “Commanders, chiefs and commanders have been obliged to provide – to the extent possible – alternative parking places for restricted vehicles outside the premises of military units,” said the SGWP spokesman.

The General Staff listed the places that are not covered by the ban. “The introduced regulations do not apply to publicly accessible military facilities, such as hospitals, clinics, libraries, prosecutor’s offices or garrison clubs,” the press release emphasized. “Service vehicles and military equipment equipped with the Polish Armed Forces are also excluded from the restrictions. The restrictions will also not apply during rescue operations and activities carried out by state and local government bodies, services, inspections and guards as part of the performance of statutory tasks,” we learn from the statement.

Chinese cars ‘can collect and transmit data’

As the SGWP spokesman writes in the summary, “modern vehicles equipped with advanced communication systems and sensors can collect and transmit data.” “Therefore, their presence in protected zones requires appropriate security regulations,” he explained.