An defence official has confirmed that the MoD is currently investigating the possible security risks associated with Chinese-made vehicles, while personnel have been told to refrain from discussing secret information in all vehicles.
Safety Guidance for Defence Staff
During a recent appearance on a radio station, a defence minister commented on claims that Ministry of Defence staff have been instructed not to talk about classified information while travelling in Chinese cars.
The minister explained that the ministry is “examining” Chinese vehicles within its vehicle pools, however stressed that security is a issue in every modern cars.
Our department has a fleet of tens of thousands of vehicles in the MoD and Chinese ones account for a very small number.
However whether you’re traveling in a vehicle from China or a car from another country, what we’ve asked our staff is not to plug Ministry of Defence devices into their car, to avoid having conversations at a secret level in any kind of car, because of the increasing risks of surveillance that are present in every single vehicle, to restrict those confidential conversations in secure locations. This is a wise and reasonable thing for anyone worried about safety.
When it was put to him that it would be wise for the ministry to stop using all Chinese vehicles, the minister replied: ‘That’s exactly what we’re investigating at the moment.”
Broader Defence Background
This announcement comes as claims from Scandinavian countries have warned the UK to the presence of dual-use shutdown mechanisms in Chinese buses, which could allow China to switch off buses and bring disruption to public transit.
Additionally, a Russian intelligence vessel has been shining lasers at RAF aircrew, described as a “extremely risky” action by defence officials.
This broader security environment underscores the importance of robust protocols and caution in every areas of government activities, from vehicle usage to communication practices.
