Deputy Prime Minister and Defense Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz confirmed that the ministry is working on such rules, saying the move should not come as a surprise.
He noted that China has taken similar steps by restricting US-made vehicles, public broadcaster Polish Radio’s IAR news agency reported.
“Poland will take adequate measures to ensure national security,” Kosiniak-Kamysz said, adding that Britain is also considering comparable restrictions and that Warsaw remains in contact with its allies on the issue.
He said Poland’s actions are guided by national interests and the need to protect citizens, adding that China has acted on similar premises and that bilateral diplomatic relations remain good.
The Polish General Staff is concerned that Chinese cars are equipped with extensive electronic systems capable of collecting data, including images, audio and location information, potentially posing security risks, the IAR news agency reported.
The proposed ban would also cover parking areas adjacent to military facilities and institutions.
Last year, the Warsaw-based Centre for Eastern Studies (OSW) warned in a report that systems used in Chinese vehicles could pose security threats and recommended steps to address the issue.
(pm/gs)
Source: IAR, polska-zbrojna.pl, osw.waw.pl