The Australian government has raised significant national security concerns regarding Chinese-made electric vehicles (EVs), which could potentially be exploited for surveillance or sabotage. Lieutenant General Susan Coyle, Australia’s top cyber warfare official, has warned that such vehicles, equipped with internet connectivity and advanced technology, pose risks including data collection, audio eavesdropping, and remote disabling. Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke reportedly took precautions after warnings about his own Chinese EV’s security vulnerabilities. The US has already banned Chinese technology in vehicles, citing similar security fears, but Australia has yet to impose such a ban despite the widespread presence of Chinese EVs like BYD. Experts warn these cars could be used by Beijing for surveillance and remote control, threatening sensitive government and personal information. This ongoing cyber threat highlights the urgent need for Australia and similarly positioned countries like India to bolster cybersecurity and critically assess reliance on foreign technology, particularly from China, in the defense and critical infrastructure sectors. Australia’s debates on these risks underscore the strategic challenges faced in technology dependency amid intensifying geopolitical rivalry with China.