THE Navy is ending a century-old custom of having Chinese servants on warships over fears they may spy for Beijing.
Hundreds of Chinese laundrymen have toiled on British ships since the 1930s.
The Navy is ending the custom of Chinese laundrymen toiling on warships over fears they may spy for BeijingNTB / AFP via Getty
Most were hired from Hong Kong to wash and press sailors’ uniforms and officers’ white tablecloths.
But they are being replaced by Nepalese Gurkhas.
Spy catchers fear Beijing could threaten laundrymen’s loved ones in China to make them pass on Navy secrets.
It comes after MI5 spy chief Ken McCallum said China has ramped up efforts to steal secrets from British nuclear submarines.
Three Chinese nationals were barred from joining HMS Queen Elizabeth — the Navy’s flagship aircraft carrier — on her carrier strike group voyage to the contested South China Sea.
A fourth Chinese laundryman was dismissed this month — after 39 years’ loyal service — as his family live in Hong Kong.
Former First Sea Lord Admiral Lord West said: “If it is a question of security, the Navy has no choice.
“But it’s sad as Chinese laundrymen have fought wars with us, some have died for us.”
At least four Chinese nationals still work for the Royal Navy.
A source said they passed security vetting because their families moved to Britain, to shield them from Chinese pressure.
A Royal Navy spokesperson said: “We ensure all civilian contractors have the appropriate security clearances.”
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