A defence official has confirmed that the Ministry of Defence is currently looking into the potential security risks associated with Chinese cars, while personnel have been told to avoid talking about secret information in all vehicles.
Security Guidance for MoD Staff
During a recently aired appearance on LBC, a defence minister commented on reports that Ministry of Defence staff have been told not to discuss secret material while riding in China-made vehicles.
He explained that the ministry is “looking into” Chinese vehicles within its vehicle pools, however emphasised that safety is a issue in all modern cars.
We have a fleet of thousands of vehicles in the Ministry of Defence and Chinese ones account for a very small number.
But whether you’re traveling in a vehicle from China or a non-Chinese car, what we’ve asked our people is to avoid connecting MoD technology into their car, to avoid having discussions at a secret classification in any car, due to the increasing risks of eavesdropping that are present in every single automobile, to restrict those secret talks in secure locations. That’s a wise and sensible thing for anyone concerned about security.
When it was put to him that it would be prudent for the MoD to stop using every cars from China, the minister replied: ‘That’s exactly what we are looking into at the moment.”
Wider Defence Context
The revelation follows reports from Norway and Denmark have alerted the United Kingdom to the existence of dual-use shutdown mechanisms in Chinese-made electric buses, which could enable China to disable public transport and cause disruption to transport systems.
Additionally, a Russian intelligence vessel has been directing laser beams at RAF aircrew, labeled a “highly dangerous” action by government representatives.
The broader defence situation highlights the importance of strong protocols and caution in all aspects of official activities, from vehicle use to discussions habits.
