An defense official has confirmed that the MoD is actively looking into the possible threats associated with Chinese-made cars, while personnel have been advised to avoid discussing classified matters in any cars.
Safety Advice for Defence Staff
During a recent appearance on LBC, a defence minister commented on reports that MoD officials have been instructed not to talk about secret material while riding in Chinese cars.
He explained that the ministry is “examining” Chinese vehicles within its vehicle pools, but stressed that security is a concern in all contemporary vehicles.
Our department has a fleet of tens of thousands of vehicles in the Ministry of Defence and those vehicles account for a very small number.
But whether you’re traveling in a Chinese car or a non-Chinese car, our instruction to our people is to avoid connecting Ministry of Defence technology into their vehicle, not to have conversations at a classified classification in any kind of vehicle, because of the growing risks of eavesdropping that exist in every single vehicle, to only have those confidential talks in secure locations. This is a prudent and reasonable thing for everyone concerned about safety.
When it was put to him that it would be wise for the MoD to cease using all Chinese vehicles, the minister responded: ‘That’s exactly what we are looking into at the present time.”
Broader Defence Context
The announcement follows reports from Scandinavian countries have warned the United Kingdom to the existence of dual-use shutdown mechanisms in Chinese buses, which could allow China to disable public transport and cause chaos to public transit.
Additionally, a Russia intelligence vessel was reportedly directing laser beams at Royal Air Force pilots, labeled a “highly dangerous” act by defence officials.
This wider defence situation underscores the significance of robust measures and caution in all areas of government operations, from transport usage to discussions practices.
