Government Official Confirms MoD Investigating Security Risk from Vehicles from China, with Staff Told to Avoid Confidential Discussions in Vehicles.
An defence minister has confirmed that the MoD is currently looking into the possible threats posed by Chinese cars, while personnel have been advised to refrain from talking about classified information in any vehicles.
Security Guidance for Defence Personnel
During a recent interview on a radio station, a defence minister addressed reports that MoD officials have been told not to discuss classified information while riding in Chinese cars.
The minister said that the MoD is “examining” Chinese vehicles within its vehicle pools, but noted that security is a issue in all contemporary cars.
We have a collection of tens of thousands of cars in the MoD and Chinese ones account for a very small number.
However whether you’re traveling in a Chinese car or a car from another country, what we’ve asked our people is to avoid connecting Ministry of Defence technology into their vehicle, not to have discussions at a secret classification in any vehicle, due to the growing threats of surveillance that are present in every single vehicle, to only have those secret conversations in secure locations. That’s a prudent and sensible thing for anyone concerned about safety.
After it was put to him that it would be prudent for the ministry to cease using all cars from China, the minister responded: That is precisely what we are looking into at the moment.”
Wider Defence Context
This announcement follows claims from Scandinavian countries have alerted the United Kingdom to the existence of multi-purpose shutdown mechanisms in Chinese electric buses, which could enable China to switch off public transport and bring disruption to public transit.
Additionally, a Russian spy ship has been shining lasers at RAF aircrew, labeled a “extremely risky” act by government representatives.
The broader defence environment highlights the importance of robust measures and caution in every areas of official activities, from transport usage to communication habits.
