A defense minister has revealed that the MoD is currently investigating the potential security risks associated with Chinese-made vehicles, and staff have been advised to refrain from talking about secret information in any vehicles.
Security Advice for MoD Staff
During a recent interview on a radio station, a defence minister addressed reports that Ministry of Defence officials have been instructed not to discuss secret material while riding in Chinese cars.
The minister explained that the ministry is “examining” Chinese vehicles within its vehicle pools, however noted that security is a concern in all modern cars.
Our department has a fleet of tens of thousands of cars in the MoD and Chinese ones represent a very small number.
However whether you’re driving a vehicle from China or a car from another country, what we’ve asked our people is not to plug MoD technology into their vehicle, to avoid having discussions at a secret classification in any kind of car, because of the increasing threats of surveillance that exist in every single vehicle, to restrict those confidential conversations in protected areas. This is a wise and reasonable thing for everyone worried about safety.
When it was put to him that it would be wise for the MoD to cease using every cars from China, the minister replied: That is precisely what we are looking into at the moment.”
Broader Defence Context
This 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 disable public transport and cause disruption to transport systems.
Furthermore, a Russia intelligence vessel has been directing laser beams at Royal Air Force aircrew, described as a “highly dangerous” action by defence officials.
This wider security environment underscores the importance of robust protocols and caution in all areas of government activities, including transport usage to discussions practices.
