An defence official has confirmed that the MoD is actively investigating the possible threats posed by Chinese-made cars, while personnel have been told to avoid discussing secret matters in any cars.
Security Guidance for Defence Personnel
In a recently aired interview on a radio station, a defence minister addressed claims that MoD staff have been told not to talk about classified information while travelling in China-made vehicles.
He explained that the MoD is “examining” Chinese vehicles within its fleets, however stressed that security is a concern in all contemporary cars.
Our department has a fleet of tens of thousands of vehicles in the Ministry of Defence and those vehicles represent a very small number.
However regardless of if you’re driving a vehicle from China or a non-Chinese car, our instruction to our staff is to avoid connecting Ministry of Defence devices into their car, to avoid having discussions at a secret classification in any car, because of the growing risks of eavesdropping that exist in all vehicle, to restrict those confidential talks in protected areas. That’s a prudent and sensible thing for everyone concerned about safety.
After it was suggested that it would be prudent for the MoD to cease using every Chinese vehicles, the minister responded: ‘That’s exactly what we are looking into at the present time.”
Broader Security Context
This revelation comes as reports from Norway and Denmark have warned the United Kingdom to the presence of dual-use shutdown mechanisms in Chinese electric buses, which could enable the Chinese government to disable buses and bring disruption to public transit.
Additionally, a Russian intelligence vessel was reportedly directing laser beams at RAF pilots, described as a “highly dangerous” act by defence officials.
This wider security situation underscores the importance of strong measures and vigilance in every aspects of government operations, from vehicle use to communication habits.
