Israel
IDF bans Chinese cars from bases over data leak fears
The move follows a deterioration in Sino-Israeli relations over the war in Gaza and allies’ concerns about espionage
August 8, 2025 13:33
The move follows a deterioration in Sino-Israeli relations over the war in Gaza and allies’ concerns about espionage
August 8, 2025 13:33The IDF has banned all Chinese-made vehicles on its bases out of concern for data security, Israel’s Army Radio reported on Tuesday.
Chinese-made cars will be required to park outside of army premises and, in some cases, a considerable distance from the external perimeter, according to the report.
The new policy is the result of a gradual distancing from Chinese products within the military over fears they could be used for espionage or feature security bugs resulting in information leaks, Israeli business daily The Marker reported.
"The IDF is examining all implications of smart vehicles in coordination with all relevant parties. Operational guidelines on the matter will be issued in accordance with the decisions made," the army’s Spokesperson Unit told JNS.
The IDF currently uses a number of Chinese-made vehicles, including an MG pickup truck for the security unit guarding the Kirya – the military headquarters in Tel Aviv.
The decision follows British defence firms advising staff not to connect their mobile phones to such vehicles due to data theft fears, as reported by GB News.
The UK’s Ministry of Defence has also banned cars relying on Chinese technology from sensitive military sites across the country.
Beijing has never been confirmed to use automotive supply chains for espionage, although a Chinese tracking device was reportedly discovered inside one UK government vehicle last year.
Despite the risks, Israel has historically found it necessary to cooperate with China, a key trading partner of both Iran and Russia and a global adversary of the United States.
But China has hardened its rhetoric against the Jewish State since the outbreak of the Gaza War and the subsequent regional escalations involving Iran, the Houthis in Yemen, Hezbollah in Lebanon and militias in Syria.
In May, China’s ambassador to the UN, Geng Shuang, attended a Nakba Day commemoration – an annual event marking what Palestinians call the “catastrophe” of Israel’s creation.
Chinese officials have since claimed that Israel’s actions in Gaza “could constitute war crimes.”
Israeli Innovation Minister Gila Gamliel addressed the China dilemma in a speech during a conference in June.
She announced the launch of a strategic policy in the Indo-Pacific, saying: “Where China seeks to expand its influence and is viewed by the US as a strategic threat.”
She highlighted Beijing’s “closer ties with Iran,” adding: “China is not our enemy, but it is America’s rival, and Iran is our enemy.”
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