A defence minister has revealed that the MoD is currently examining the potential security risks associated with Chinese cars, while staff have been told to refrain from discussing classified information in any cars.
Security Advice for Defence Staff
During a recent appearance on LBC, a defence minister commented on claims that Ministry of Defence staff have been told not to talk about secret material while travelling in Chinese vehicles.
He explained that the ministry is “examining” cars from China within its fleets, however noted that safety is a issue in every modern vehicles.
Our department has a fleet of tens of thousands of vehicles in the Ministry of Defence and Chinese ones represent a very small number.
However regardless of if you’re traveling in a vehicle from China or a non-Chinese car, what we’ve asked our people is to avoid connecting MoD technology into their car, to avoid having conversations at a secret level in any kind of vehicle, due to the growing threats of surveillance that are present in all automobile, to restrict those secret talks in secure locations. That’s a prudent and sensible thing for anyone concerned about safety.
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 are looking into at the moment.”
Broader Security Background
The announcement comes as claims from Norway and Denmark have warned the UK to the existence of multi-purpose shutdown mechanisms in Chinese buses, which could allow the Chinese government to switch off public transport and cause chaos to public transit.
Furthermore, a Russia spy ship has been shining lasers at RAF aircrew, described as a “extremely risky” action by defence officials.
This broader defence situation underscores the importance of robust protocols and caution in all areas of government activities, including transport use to discussions practices.
