A defense minister has stated that the MoD is currently examining the potential threats associated with Chinese cars, while staff have been advised to avoid discussing secret information in any cars.
Security Guidance for Defence Personnel
During a recently aired interview on LBC, a defence minister commented on reports that Ministry of Defence staff have been told not to discuss secret information while riding in China-made vehicles.
He explained that the ministry is “looking into” Chinese vehicles within its fleets, however stressed that security is a concern in all modern vehicles.
We have a fleet of thousands of vehicles in the Ministry of Defence and those vehicles account for a very small number.
However regardless of if you’re traveling in a Chinese car or a non-Chinese car, what we’ve asked our staff is not to plug MoD devices into their car, to avoid having conversations at a classified level in any car, because of the growing risks of surveillance that are present in all automobile, to only have those confidential conversations in secure locations. This is a wise and reasonable thing for anyone worried about security.
When it was put to him that it would be prudent for the ministry to stop using all Chinese vehicles, the minister responded: ‘That’s exactly what we’re investigating at the moment.”
Broader Security Background
The revelation comes as claims from Norway and Denmark have warned the UK to the presence of dual-use shutdown mechanisms in Chinese buses, which could allow the Chinese government to disable buses and bring disruption to transport systems.
Furthermore, a Russian intelligence vessel has been directing laser beams at Royal Air Force pilots, labeled a “extremely risky” action by government representatives.
This broader defence situation highlights the significance of strong protocols and caution in every aspects of government activities, including transport use to discussions practices.
