An defence official has stated that the MoD is currently examining the potential threats associated with Chinese-made cars, and personnel have been advised to avoid discussing classified information in any vehicles.
Security Advice for MoD Personnel
During a recent appearance on LBC, a defence minister addressed claims that Ministry of Defence staff have been told not to discuss classified information while travelling in China-made vehicles.
The minister explained that the ministry is “examining” cars from China within its vehicle pools, however noted that safety is a issue in every modern cars.
We have a fleet of tens of thousands of vehicles in the MoD and those vehicles represent a tiny fraction.
However whether you’re traveling in a vehicle from China or a car from another country, our instruction to our people is to avoid connecting MoD technology into their vehicle, not to have conversations at a secret level in any vehicle, due to the increasing risks of eavesdropping that exist in all automobile, to only have those secret conversations in secure locations. That’s a wise and sensible thing for everyone worried about security.
After it was put to him that it would be prudent for the MoD to cease using all Chinese vehicles, the minister responded: That is exactly what we are looking into at the moment.”
Broader Security Context
This revelation follows claims from Norway and Denmark have alerted the UK to the presence of multi-purpose shutdown mechanisms in Chinese-made electric buses, which could allow China to switch off buses and bring chaos to public transit.
Additionally, a Russian spy ship was reportedly shining laser beams at Royal Air Force pilots, described as a “highly dangerous” action by government representatives.
This wider security environment underscores the significance of strong protocols and caution in every aspects of government operations, including transport use to discussions habits.
