US urges UK to rethink Chinese turbine factory near North Sea projects

The UK government is currently reviewing the security implications of allowing Chinese manufacturer Mingyang Smart Energy to build a wind-turbine factory in Scotland, amid concerns raised by the United States. The Trump administration privately warned that turbines made by Mingyang could potentially contain electronic surveillance equipment, posing national security risks, especially given their proximity to sensitive military sites in the North Sea. Similar concerns have been communicated to Germany, where Mingyang is also involved in offshore wind projects. British intelligence agencies are contributing to a broader government assessment of China’s role in the UK’s energy infrastructure, with ministers debating whether to block the factory under the National Security and Investment Act. Supporters of the factory emphasize its potential to create jobs and advance the UK’s floating offshore wind ambitions, arguing that security risks can be managed through regulation. However, critics warn that reliance on Chinese technology could compromise sensitive defense operations, with some politicians highlighting the risk of espionage via sensors on turbines. The decision is complicated by geopolitical considerations: blocking Mingyang might