A defence official has revealed that the MoD is actively investigating the possible threats associated with Chinese cars, while personnel have been instructed to avoid discussing classified matters in any cars.
Safety Advice for MoD Personnel
During a recent interview on LBC, a defence minister addressed claims that Ministry of Defence staff have been instructed not to discuss secret information while travelling in Chinese vehicles.
The minister explained that the ministry is “looking into” Chinese vehicles within its vehicle pools, but emphasised that security is a concern in every contemporary cars.
We have a fleet of tens of thousands of vehicles in the MoD and those vehicles represent a very small number.
However whether you’re traveling in a vehicle from China or a non-Chinese car, what we’ve asked our staff is to avoid connecting Ministry of Defence technology into their car, not to have conversations at a classified level in any kind of vehicle, because of the growing risks of surveillance that are present in all automobile, to only have those confidential conversations in secure locations. That’s a wise and reasonable thing for anyone worried about security.
After it was put to him that it would be wise for the ministry to cease using every cars from China, the minister replied: ‘That’s precisely what we are looking into at the moment.”
Broader Defence Background
The revelation comes as reports from Scandinavian countries have warned the UK to the existence of dual-use shutdown mechanisms in Chinese electric buses, which could enable China to switch off public transport and cause disruption to transport systems.
Additionally, a Russia spy ship has been shining lasers at RAF aircrew, described as a “highly dangerous” action by government representatives.
The broader security environment highlights the importance of robust protocols and vigilance in all aspects of official activities, from vehicle usage to discussions habits.
