A defence official has revealed that the Ministry of Defence is currently looking into the possible threats associated with Chinese cars, and staff have been instructed to refrain from discussing classified matters in all cars.
Security Advice for MoD Personnel
In a recent appearance on LBC, a defence minister commented on claims that Ministry of Defence staff have been instructed not to talk about classified material while riding in Chinese vehicles.
He explained that the ministry is “investigating” Chinese vehicles within its fleets, but emphasised that security is a issue in every contemporary cars.
Our department has a collection of tens of thousands of vehicles in the Ministry of Defence and those vehicles account for a very small number.
But whether you’re traveling in a vehicle from China or a non-Chinese car, our instruction to our staff is to avoid connecting MoD devices into their car, to avoid having discussions at a classified classification in any car, due to the increasing risks of surveillance that exist in every single vehicle, to restrict those confidential conversations in protected areas. That’s a wise and sensible thing for anyone worried about security.
After it was put to him that it would be wise for the ministry to cease using every Chinese vehicles, the minister replied: That is exactly what we are looking into at the moment.”
Broader Defence Context
This announcement comes as reports from Norway and Denmark have warned the UK to the presence of dual-use shutdown mechanisms in Chinese electric buses, which could allow China to disable buses and cause disruption to public transit.
Additionally, a Russia intelligence vessel has been shining lasers at Royal Air Force aircrew, labeled a “highly dangerous” action by defence officials.
The broader defence situation highlights the importance of strong measures and caution in every aspects of official operations, from vehicle usage to communication practices.
