Nearly 200 Chinese electric vehicles equipped with cameras and communication devices have been freely entering and exiting South Korean military facilities, it was revealed on the 15th. These vehicles have accessed the Ministry of National Defense, the Joint Chiefs of Staff compound, Air Force bases housing stealth F-35s and supersonic KF-21s, and the Navy Submarine Command. According to People Power Party Rep. Kang Dae-sik, at least 190 Chinese-made connected cars capable of internet access, such as BYD vehicles, are registered for regular entry across Army, Navy, and Air Force facilities. Registrations cover sensitive installations including the Busan Naval Operations Command, where U.S. aircraft carriers dock, and the Jinhae Submarine Command. Connected cars feature over 10 cameras, high-precision GPS, radar, and microphones, raising concerns in the U.S. and the European Union that gathered surveillance data could be transmitted to Chinese authorities in real time. Chinese connected vehicles are also cleared for access at key Army installations, including Army Headquarters in Gyeryongdae, the Ground Operations Command, and the Special Warfare Command. A military official pointed out the contradiction in current policy, remarking that it is absurd iPhones are banned from military facilities for security risks while no restrictions exist for Chinese vehicles. The Ministry of National Defense has not implemented entry bans or requested security protocols from manufacturers, having acknowledged in April that video collection on bases poses vulnerabilities but only pledging in September to draft countermeasures. Rep. Kang warned that the government's response remains inadequate, noting that relevant ministries have shifted responsibility among themselves without establishing a central authority to address the risk of real-time intelligence leaks to China. chosun.com/english/national-…