An defence official has stated that the MoD is actively investigating the possible threats posed by Chinese-made vehicles, and staff have been advised to avoid discussing secret matters in all vehicles.
Security Guidance for Defence Personnel
In a recent interview on LBC, a defence minister commented on reports that MoD officials have been told not to discuss classified material while riding in Chinese vehicles.
He stated that the ministry is “looking into” cars from China within its fleets, however emphasised that safety is a issue in all modern vehicles.
We have a fleet of tens of thousands of cars in the MoD and those vehicles represent a very small number.
But regardless of if you’re driving a Chinese car or a car from another country, what we’ve asked our staff is to avoid connecting Ministry of Defence technology into their vehicle, not to have discussions at a secret classification in any vehicle, because of the increasing threats of surveillance that exist in all automobile, to restrict those confidential conversations in secure locations. That’s a wise and sensible thing for anyone concerned about security.
After it was put to him that it would be prudent for the MoD to cease using all Chinese vehicles, the minister responded: ‘That’s precisely what we’re investigating at the present time.”
Broader Defence Background
This revelation comes as claims from Scandinavian countries have alerted the United Kingdom to the existence of dual-use kill switches in Chinese buses, which could allow China to switch off public transport and bring chaos to public transit.
Additionally, a Russian intelligence vessel was reportedly shining laser beams at Royal Air Force aircrew, labeled a “highly dangerous” act by government representatives.
This wider security situation underscores the significance of robust measures and vigilance in all areas of official operations, including transport usage to discussions practices.
