A defense minister has confirmed that the MoD is currently investigating the possible security risks associated with Chinese-made cars, while personnel have been instructed to avoid talking about secret information in any cars.
Security Advice for MoD Personnel
During a recently aired interview on LBC, a defence minister commented on claims that Ministry of Defence staff have been instructed not to talk about classified material while travelling in Chinese cars.
He explained that the ministry is “investigating” Chinese vehicles within its vehicle pools, but noted that safety is a concern in every modern vehicles.
We have a collection of thousands of vehicles in the Ministry of Defence and Chinese ones account for 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 Ministry of Defence devices into their vehicle, not to have conversations at a secret level in any car, because of the increasing threats of surveillance that are present in every single automobile, to restrict those secret talks in secure locations. This is a wise and sensible thing for everyone worried about safety.
After it was suggested that it would be prudent for the MoD to cease using all Chinese vehicles, the minister responded: ‘That’s precisely what we’re investigating at the moment.”
Broader Security Context
The revelation follows reports from Scandinavian countries have warned the United Kingdom to the presence of multi-purpose shutdown mechanisms in Chinese electric buses, which could allow the Chinese government to switch off public transport and bring disruption to public transit.
Additionally, a Russian spy ship has been directing laser beams at Royal Air Force aircrew, labeled a “extremely risky” action by defence officials.
This broader security environment underscores the significance of strong protocols and caution in every areas of official operations, from transport use to discussions habits.
