An defence minister has confirmed that the MoD is actively looking into the potential security risks associated with Chinese-made cars, while personnel have been instructed to refrain from discussing classified matters in all vehicles.
Safety Guidance for MoD Personnel
During a recently aired appearance on LBC, a defence minister addressed reports that MoD staff have been instructed not to talk about classified information while riding in China-made cars.
He explained that the MoD is “looking into” Chinese vehicles within its fleets, but emphasised that safety is a concern in all contemporary cars.
Our department has a collection of thousands of vehicles in the Ministry of Defence and those vehicles account for a tiny fraction.
However whether you’re traveling in a vehicle from China or a car from another country, what we’ve asked our staff is not to plug MoD technology into their car, to avoid having discussions at a classified classification in any car, because of the growing risks of surveillance that are present in every single automobile, to only have those confidential talks in protected areas. This is a wise and sensible thing for anyone concerned about security.
After it was put to him that it would be wise for the ministry to cease using every cars from China, the minister replied: ‘That’s precisely what we’re investigating at the moment.”
Broader Defence Context
The announcement comes as claims from Norway and Denmark have warned the UK to the existence of dual-use kill switches in Chinese buses, which could allow China to switch off buses and bring chaos to transport systems.
Additionally, a Russia intelligence vessel was reportedly shining laser beams at Royal Air Force aircrew, described as a “extremely risky” act by government representatives.
This broader security environment highlights the importance of strong measures and vigilance in all areas of official activities, including vehicle use to discussions practices.
