A defense minister has revealed that the Ministry of Defence is actively investigating the potential security risks associated with Chinese-made vehicles, and staff have been advised to refrain from talking about classified information in all vehicles.
Security Advice for MoD Personnel
In a recently aired appearance on a radio station, a defence minister addressed reports that MoD officials have been told not to discuss secret material while travelling in Chinese cars.
He explained that the MoD is “examining” Chinese vehicles within its fleets, but emphasised that security is a issue in every modern vehicles.
We have a fleet 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 non-Chinese car, what we’ve asked our people is to avoid connecting Ministry of Defence technology into their car, not to have conversations at a classified classification in any kind of vehicle, because of the increasing threats of surveillance that exist in all vehicle, to restrict those confidential talks in protected areas. That’s a prudent and sensible thing for anyone worried about safety.
After it was put to him that it would be wise for the ministry to stop using every Chinese vehicles, the minister replied: ‘That’s exactly what we’re investigating at the moment.”
Broader Security Background
This revelation comes as reports from Norway and Denmark have alerted the UK to the existence of dual-use shutdown mechanisms in Chinese electric buses, which could enable China to disable buses and cause disruption to public transit.
Furthermore, a Russia intelligence vessel was reportedly shining laser beams at RAF aircrew, described as a “extremely risky” act by government representatives.
The wider security situation underscores the importance of robust measures and vigilance in all areas of official operations, from transport use to communication habits.
