An defense official has stated that the MoD is currently examining the possible security risks posed by Chinese-made vehicles, while personnel have been told to refrain from discussing classified information in all cars.
Security Guidance for Defence Personnel
In a recently aired appearance on LBC, a defence minister commented on reports that MoD officials have been told not to discuss secret information while riding in Chinese cars.
He stated that the MoD is “examining” cars from China within its fleets, but emphasised that security is a concern in all contemporary vehicles.
Our department has a fleet of thousands of cars in the MoD and Chinese ones represent a very small number.
But regardless of if 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, to avoid having discussions at a secret level in any kind of vehicle, because of the increasing risks of surveillance that exist in all automobile, to restrict those confidential talks in secure locations. That’s a prudent and reasonable thing for everyone worried about security.
After it was put to him that it would be prudent for the ministry to stop using all Chinese vehicles, the minister responded: That is precisely what we’re investigating at the moment.”
Broader Defence Context
The announcement comes as claims from Scandinavian countries have warned the United Kingdom to the presence of dual-use shutdown mechanisms in Chinese-made buses, which could allow China to switch off buses and cause chaos to public transit.
Furthermore, a Russia spy ship was reportedly directing lasers at RAF pilots, described as a “extremely risky” act by defence officials.
The wider defence environment highlights the importance of strong measures and caution in all areas of official activities, from transport use to communication habits.
