LONDON (Diya TV) — A Chinese tracking device was discovered in a vehicle used by the British prime minister, according to testimony presented to lawmakers, raising fresh concerns about Chinese espionage and national security in the United Kingdom.
The claim emerged during a parliamentary committee hearing on Tuesday. Experts discussed the growing security risks linked to Chinese-made technology and electronic components.
Charles Parton, a senior associate fellow at the Council on Geostrategy and a former British diplomat, told the House of Commons Business and Trade Committee that a device in the prime minister’s official car transmitted data to China in 2022.
“The prime minister’s car in 2022 was emanating data to China through the cellular module,” Parton said during the hearing.
He explained that the device used a cellular module, a component that allows equipment to communicate through mobile networks. Such modules appear in a wide range of products, including vehicles, aircraft, industrial equipment, and smart home devices. Parton said a senior government official informed him about the incident. However, he did not identify which prime minister used the vehicle at the time. Britain had three Conservative prime ministers during 2022: Boris Johnson, Liz Truss, and Rishi Sunak.
Reports previously revealed that security officials found a suspected tracking device during a routine sweep of government vehicles. The discovery reportedly occurred inside a sealed vehicle component imported from China. Officials believed the component had been installed by the manufacturer before the vehicle entered service. The device allegedly contained technology capable of transmitting location and operational data.
The latest claims have renewed concerns about potential surveillance activities targeting senior British officials. Security experts have increasingly warned that foreign-made electronic components could create vulnerabilities in government systems and transportation networks. The allegations come at a time when Western governments continue to review the security risks associated with Chinese technology in critical infrastructure.
During his testimony, Parton warned lawmakers about China’s growing influence in the production of cellular modules.
“The Chinese aim to get a monopoly in the manufacture of cellular modules, and they’re doing pretty well at that already,” he said.
He argued that widespread dependence on foreign-made communication components could create national security risks. Parton also suggested that vehicles connected through cellular modules could become vulnerable if a hostile actor gained control over the technology. His comments reflected broader concerns among security analysts who have urged governments to strengthen supply chain security and reduce dependence on strategic technologies from rival nations.
British officials did not confirm the allegations. A government spokesperson declined to discuss the matter.
“As a matter of longstanding policy, we would never comment on security matters,” the spokesperson said.
A source familiar with government operations reportedly said officials did not recognize the specific claim concerning the prime minister’s vehicle. The Metropolitan Police, which manages security arrangements for senior government figures, also declined to comment.
“We do not comment on matters of protective security,” a Scotland Yard spokesperson said.
Chinese officials have consistently denied allegations of espionage linked to Chinese-made technology. After reports of the tracking device first surfaced, Beijing dismissed the claims as unfounded. Chinese authorities described the allegations as “groundless and sheer rumour.” They also criticized what they called attempts to politicize normal economic and trade cooperation. The Chinese government has repeatedly rejected accusations that it uses commercial technology products for surveillance or intelligence gathering.
The reported discovery of a tracking device in a vehicle used by the prime minister highlights the growing debate over cybersecurity, supply chain security, and foreign technology risks. Governments across Europe and North America continue to examine how imported electronic components could affect national security.
While officials have not publicly confirmed the latest claims, the allegations have intensified scrutiny of Chinese technology and its role in sensitive government operations. The issue is likely to remain a key topic in discussions about espionage, cybersecurity, and the protection of critical infrastructure in the United Kingdom and other Western nations.
