A Chinese car manufacturer is building a plant by a key Spanish naval port used for NATO operations
China’s expanding footprint in Spain’s ports is raising concerns in Brussels and among security experts, who warn that commercial infrastructure near key naval facilities could one day serve military or intelligence purposes.
The concerns come as Beijing strengthens its presence in Spanish logistics hubs and prepares major investments, including a new SAIC factory near the Ferrol naval base in the northwestern region of Galicia.
The Chinese state-owned car manufacturing giant aims to build key facilities right on the outer grounds of the Port of Ferrol, home to one of the key headquarters of the Spanish Navy and national shipbuilder Navantia. The area also serves as a key strategic location for NATO operations.
One of the two SAIC complexes will be located right at the access point where Spanish military vessels enter and exit, including five F-100 frigates.
