Some British uniforms and protective gear sourced from China

This sourcing approach, while aligned with cost and procurement standards, highlights ongoing dependencies on international suppliers, sparking renewed interest in the resilience of the UK’s supply chains.

The FOI response details a range of clothing and equipment purchases from Chinese firms for several government departments, including the Ministry of Defence (MOD) and the Home Office.

The items sourced include uniforms, outerwear, and protective equipment used by personnel in various capacities across government services. The purchases reflect a broader trend of sourcing affordable and durable materials that meet the specifications required for government-issue attire and accessories.

The uniforms obtained from Chinese suppliers cover standard operational wear, including shirts, trousers, jackets, and outerwear designed for challenging conditions. Alongside these uniforms, other practical items like high-visibility jackets and fire-resistant clothing are part of the procurement list.

Accessories such as hats, gloves, and belts, essential for full uniform kits, have also been sourced from China, demonstrating the extensive range of items involved.

An MoD spokesperson said previously:

“As part of an international supply chain, around 16,000 different items of military clothing are sourced for our Armed Forces. Our contractor must abide by strict procurement regulations to ensure that any risks around modern slavery are identified and addressed during the tender process and the subsequent contract.”

When talking to a source, I was also told that all purchases adhere strictly to procurement policies and are evaluated to ensure they meet the standards required for durability and safety, there’s no question on the quality. However, with China as one of the primary suppliers, questions can be asked about the implications of sourcing critical goods from a nation with which the UK has a complex and sometimes tense trade relationship.

Are we worried about the Chinese fitting mics to shirts or smocks?

I think a balance has to be sought, we should be always trying to use UK suppliers where appropriate but when the cost differential to excessive or we have an urgent operational requirement I don’t think its too much of a problem for clothing and the like.

Any tech I agree shouldn’t come from the Chinese. The recent example of Hezbollah shows that keeping the supply chain in house is vital.

The worry here I think is similar to the PPE problem. If we get into a war situation we wouldn’t be able, necessarily, to obtain this kit for new recruits in the quantity required especially if China was allied to the party we were at war with.

fair point, I remember we had a flap on before the GW when we realised we’d sold the Iraqis our uniforms

It’s actually a different issue. China sees all things as part of war, that include economic warfare. If china can undercut a western manufacture and so destroy that manufacturing base in the west and make the west dependent on that manufacturing in china it will do so..and consider that a strategic win against the west…it’s a basic premise of commercial warfare aka mercantilist strategies that attack your enemy and strengthen you. The west sees it as just buying from the cheapest market…but it’s not its weakening your own economy and strengthening your enemies. People forget china is not a capitalist… Read more »

This has been publicly discussed for years. Not “News” at all.

They have been doing this for some years and to be honest its very poor quality and does not last compared to the kit of by gone years (RM’s went shopping else where in part for that reason). All uniform regardless at least should be sources within NATO but better from home sourced companies who can drop the cost if they get the volumes needed to make it work while. The new RN at sea No8’s comes form China and its a real drop in standards compared to the older kit for which an all in one would have suited… Read more »

I remember my TA issue of Windows 95 was made in Rumania. Its always gone on. Sad thing is we have individuals buying from kit from Arktis and Helikon Tex because the issue is pure crap. One British made, one Polish but made to a very high spec in Vietnam. And remember the millions wasted chucking DPM, would have made economic sense to store it. Just in case.