Spain is ready to give the green light to the construction of a Chinese automotive plant operated by SAIC in Galicia, despite reports of potential security concerns.
The facility is expected to be located about 5 km from Ferrol, one of Spain’s key naval ports and a maintenance hub for F-100 frigates involved in NATO missions. Spanish newspapers El Mundo and El País previously reported that intelligence services had warned of a potential espionage risk.
Military officials were reportedly concerned that the Chinese plant’s proximity to the naval base could give the company access to information about the movements of Spanish naval vessels.
The regional government of Galicia said the Defence Ministry had been in talks with SAIC for several months and had expressed no security concerns. Defence Minister Margarita Robles also backed the project.
Construction is scheduled to begin in 2027, with the plant expected to start operations in 2028. The facility will have the capacity to produce up to 120,000 MG vehicles a year.
The final decision will be made by the Strategic Investments Committee. Spanish authorities may impose additional requirements on the project, including measures related to security.
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