An defence minister has stated that the MoD is actively examining the possible security risks associated with Chinese-made cars, while staff have been told to refrain from talking about secret matters in any vehicles.
Security Advice for MoD Staff
During a recently aired interview on LBC, a defence minister addressed claims that MoD officials have been told not to discuss classified material while travelling in Chinese cars.
He said that the ministry is “investigating” cars from China within its fleets, however emphasised that safety is a issue in all modern cars.
Our department has a fleet of tens of thousands of cars in the MoD and those vehicles account for a very small number.
But regardless of if you’re traveling in a vehicle from China or a car from another country, what we’ve asked our people is to avoid connecting MoD devices into their car, to avoid having conversations at a secret classification in any kind of car, because of the growing threats of surveillance that exist in every single vehicle, to restrict those confidential conversations in protected areas. This is a prudent and sensible thing for everyone concerned about safety.
When it was put to him that it would be prudent for the ministry to cease using all Chinese vehicles, the minister replied: ‘That’s exactly what we are looking into at the moment.”
Broader Defence Context
This announcement follows reports from Scandinavian countries have alerted the UK to the existence of multi-purpose kill switches in Chinese-made electric buses, which could enable the Chinese government to switch off public transport and cause chaos to transport systems.
Furthermore, a Russian spy ship has been shining lasers at RAF pilots, labeled a “highly dangerous” action by defence officials.
This broader security environment underscores the importance of strong protocols and vigilance in every aspects of official activities, from transport use to discussions habits.
