A defense official has confirmed that the MoD is currently investigating the potential security risks posed by Chinese-made cars, and staff have been advised to avoid talking about secret matters in all cars.
Security Guidance for Defence Staff
During a recently aired appearance on LBC, a defence minister addressed reports that MoD staff have been instructed not to discuss classified information while travelling in Chinese cars.
He explained that the MoD is “investigating” Chinese vehicles within its fleets, however noted that safety is a concern in all modern cars.
We have a fleet of thousands of cars in the Ministry of Defence and those vehicles represent a tiny fraction.
However whether you’re traveling in a vehicle from China or a car from another country, our instruction to our people is to avoid connecting Ministry of Defence technology into their car, not to have discussions at a secret level in any kind of vehicle, because of the increasing risks of surveillance that are present in every single automobile, to restrict those confidential talks in protected areas. That’s a prudent and sensible thing for anyone worried about security.
After it was put to him that it would be prudent for the MoD to stop using all cars from China, the minister replied: ‘That’s exactly what we’re investigating at the moment.”
Broader Security Context
This revelation follows reports from Norway and Denmark have warned the UK to the presence of multi-purpose shutdown mechanisms in Chinese buses, which could allow China to switch off buses and bring disruption to public transit.
Additionally, a Russian spy ship has been directing lasers at RAF aircrew, labeled a “highly dangerous” action by defence officials.
The wider defence situation underscores the significance of robust protocols and vigilance in every areas of government activities, from vehicle use to discussions practices.
