A defence official has confirmed that the MoD is actively investigating the possible security risks posed by Chinese cars, and personnel have been instructed to avoid discussing secret matters in any cars.
Security Guidance for Defence Personnel
In a recent interview on LBC, a defence minister addressed claims that MoD officials have been told not to talk about secret information while travelling in China-made vehicles.
He explained that the ministry is “examining” Chinese vehicles within its fleets, however stressed that security is a concern in every modern vehicles.
We have a fleet of thousands of vehicles in the Ministry of Defence and those vehicles represent a very small number.
However whether you’re driving a vehicle from China or a non-Chinese car, our instruction to our staff is not to plug MoD technology into their vehicle, to avoid having conversations at a classified classification in any car, due to the growing risks of eavesdropping that are present in all automobile, to only have those confidential conversations in protected areas. This is a prudent and reasonable thing for everyone worried about safety.
When it was put to him that it would be prudent for the MoD to cease using all cars from China, the minister replied: ‘That’s exactly what we are looking into at the moment.”
Wider Security Context
This revelation comes as claims from Scandinavian countries have alerted the UK to the existence of multi-purpose shutdown mechanisms in Chinese electric buses, which could enable the Chinese government to switch off buses and cause chaos to public transit.
Additionally, a Russian intelligence vessel was reportedly shining laser beams at Royal Air Force aircrew, described as a “extremely risky” action by defence officials.
This broader security environment underscores the significance of strong protocols and caution in every areas of official operations, including transport use to communication habits.
