An defense official has revealed that the MoD is currently examining the potential security risks associated with Chinese cars, and staff have been told to avoid discussing classified matters in any vehicles.
Security Guidance for Defence Staff
In a recent appearance on LBC, a defence minister addressed claims that MoD staff have been instructed not to discuss secret material while travelling in China-made cars.
He stated that the MoD is “looking into” Chinese vehicles within its fleets, however emphasised that safety is a issue in every modern vehicles.
Our department has a collection of tens of thousands of cars in the MoD and those vehicles represent a very small number.
However 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 technology into their vehicle, to avoid having conversations at a secret classification in any kind of car, because of the growing risks of eavesdropping that exist in all automobile, to only have those secret conversations in secure locations. This is a prudent and sensible thing for everyone worried about safety.
After it was suggested that it would be prudent for the MoD to cease using every Chinese vehicles, the minister responded: That is precisely what we are looking into at the moment.”
Broader Security Background
This revelation follows reports from Scandinavian countries have warned the UK to the existence of dual-use shutdown mechanisms in Chinese-made buses, which could enable China to switch off public transport and bring disruption to public transit.
Additionally, a Russia intelligence vessel was reportedly shining lasers at RAF aircrew, described as a “extremely risky” action by government representatives.
This wider security environment highlights the importance of robust measures and vigilance in every areas of official operations, from vehicle use to communication practices.
