A defence official has stated that the MoD is actively investigating the possible security risks associated with Chinese vehicles, while personnel have been advised to avoid discussing classified matters in any vehicles.
Safety Guidance for MoD Staff
During a recent appearance on LBC, a defence minister commented on claims that Ministry of Defence officials have been instructed not to talk about secret material while travelling in China-made cars.
The minister said that the MoD is “examining” Chinese vehicles within its vehicle pools, but emphasised that safety is a concern in all contemporary vehicles.
Our department has a collection of tens of thousands of cars in the Ministry of Defence and Chinese ones account for a very small number.
However whether you’re driving a vehicle from China or a car from another country, what we’ve asked our staff is to avoid connecting MoD devices into their vehicle, to avoid having conversations at a classified classification in any vehicle, due to the growing risks of eavesdropping that exist in every single automobile, to only have those confidential conversations in protected areas. This is a wise and reasonable thing for anyone worried about security.
When it was suggested that it would be prudent for the ministry to stop using all Chinese vehicles, the minister replied: ‘That’s precisely what we are looking into at the moment.”
Broader Defence Background
The revelation comes as reports from Scandinavian countries have alerted the United Kingdom to the presence of dual-use kill switches in Chinese electric buses, which could allow the Chinese government to disable buses and cause chaos to transport systems.
Additionally, a Russian intelligence vessel has been shining laser beams at Royal Air Force pilots, described as a “highly dangerous” action by government representatives.
This wider defence environment underscores the importance of strong measures and vigilance in all aspects of government operations, including transport use to discussions habits.
