An defence official has confirmed that the MoD is actively looking into the possible threats associated with Chinese-made cars, and staff have been instructed to refrain from discussing secret matters in all cars.
Security Advice for MoD Personnel
During a recent interview on LBC, a defence minister addressed reports that Ministry of Defence staff have been instructed not to discuss classified information while travelling in China-made vehicles.
The minister explained that the MoD is “examining” Chinese vehicles within its vehicle pools, but stressed that safety is a concern in every modern vehicles.
Our department has a collection of tens of thousands of vehicles in the MoD and those vehicles represent a very small number.
But regardless of if you’re traveling in a vehicle from China or a non-Chinese car, our instruction to our staff is not to plug Ministry of Defence technology into their vehicle, not to have discussions at a secret level in any kind of vehicle, because of the growing risks of surveillance that exist in all vehicle, to restrict those confidential talks in secure locations. That’s a prudent and sensible thing for everyone concerned about safety.
After it was put to him that it would be wise for the MoD to stop using every Chinese vehicles, the minister replied: That is exactly what we’re investigating at the moment.”
Broader Defence Context
The revelation comes as claims from Norway and Denmark have alerted the UK to the existence of multi-purpose shutdown mechanisms in Chinese electric buses, which could enable China to switch off public transport and cause chaos to transport systems.
Additionally, a Russia spy ship was reportedly shining lasers at RAF aircrew, labeled a “extremely risky” act by defence officials.
The broader security environment underscores the significance of strong measures and caution in all aspects of official operations, from vehicle use to communication practices.
