A defence official has confirmed that the MoD is actively examining the possible security risks associated with Chinese cars, while personnel have been told to refrain from talking about secret matters in all cars.
Security Guidance for Defence Personnel
In a recently aired appearance on LBC, a defence minister commented on claims that MoD staff have been instructed not to talk about secret material while travelling in China-made vehicles.
The minister explained that the MoD is “examining” Chinese vehicles within its vehicle pools, however emphasised that safety is a concern in every contemporary cars.
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, our instruction to our people is to avoid connecting MoD devices into their vehicle, not to have conversations at a secret level in any kind of vehicle, due to the growing risks of surveillance that are present in every single vehicle, to restrict those secret talks in protected areas. This is a wise and sensible thing for everyone concerned about safety.
When it was suggested that it would be prudent for the MoD to stop using all Chinese vehicles, the minister replied: ‘That’s precisely what we are looking into at the present time.”
Broader Security Context
This announcement comes as reports from Norway and Denmark have alerted the United Kingdom to the existence of multi-purpose kill switches in Chinese buses, which could allow the Chinese government to switch off buses and cause chaos to transport systems.
Furthermore, a Russia intelligence vessel has been shining lasers at RAF pilots, labeled a “extremely risky” action by defence officials.
This wider security environment underscores the significance of strong measures and vigilance in all areas of government operations, including transport use to discussions habits.
