An defense official has confirmed that the MoD is currently examining the possible security risks posed by Chinese cars, while personnel have been advised to refrain from discussing classified matters in any cars.
Safety Advice for MoD Personnel
In a recent interview on LBC, a defence minister commented on claims that Ministry of Defence staff have been instructed not to discuss classified material while travelling in China-made cars.
The minister said that the ministry is “investigating” cars from China within its fleets, however stressed that security is a issue in all modern cars.
We have a collection of tens of thousands of cars in the Ministry of Defence and those vehicles represent a very small number.
But whether you’re traveling in a vehicle from China or a non-Chinese car, our instruction to our staff is not to plug MoD devices into their car, not to have conversations at a secret classification in any kind of car, because of the growing threats of eavesdropping that exist in all automobile, to restrict those secret conversations in protected areas. This is a wise and reasonable thing for anyone worried about safety.
When it was put to him that it would be prudent for the ministry to stop using every cars from China, the minister replied: That is precisely what we’re investigating at the present time.”
Broader Security Background
The revelation follows claims from Norway and Denmark have alerted the UK to the existence of dual-use shutdown mechanisms in Chinese-made electric buses, which could enable the Chinese government to switch off public transport and bring chaos to public transit.
Additionally, a Russia intelligence vessel has been shining laser beams at Royal Air Force pilots, labeled a “extremely risky” action by defence officials.
The broader defence situation highlights the importance of robust protocols and caution in all areas of government activities, including transport use to discussions practices.
