An defence official has revealed that the MoD is currently investigating the possible threats posed by Chinese-made vehicles, while staff have been advised to avoid talking about classified matters in any cars.
Safety Advice for MoD Personnel
During a recently aired appearance on LBC, a defence minister commented on claims that Ministry of Defence staff have been instructed not to discuss secret information while riding in Chinese vehicles.
The minister stated that the MoD is “examining” Chinese vehicles within its vehicle pools, but emphasised that security is a issue in all contemporary vehicles.
Our department has a collection of tens of thousands of vehicles in the MoD and those vehicles represent a very small number.
But whether you’re traveling in a vehicle from China or a non-Chinese car, what we’ve asked our people is not to plug Ministry of Defence devices into their vehicle, not to have discussions at a secret classification in any vehicle, due to the increasing risks of eavesdropping that exist in all automobile, to restrict those secret conversations in secure locations. This is a prudent and reasonable thing for everyone worried about security.
When it was put to him that it would be prudent for the MoD to cease using all Chinese vehicles, the minister replied: That is exactly what we’re investigating at the present time.”
Broader Defence Context
The revelation follows reports from Norway and Denmark have warned the United Kingdom to the presence of dual-use shutdown mechanisms in Chinese-made electric buses, which could enable China to switch off buses and cause disruption to public transit.
Furthermore, a Russia intelligence vessel was reportedly directing laser beams at RAF pilots, described as a “extremely risky” action by defence officials.
This broader security environment highlights the importance of strong measures and caution in all aspects of government activities, including vehicle usage to communication habits.
