Government Official Confirms MoD Looking at Potential Threat from Chinese Cars, as Personnel Told to Avoid Confidential Discussions in Cars.
A defence minister has stated that the Ministry of Defence is actively looking into the possible security risks associated with Chinese-made cars, and staff have been advised to avoid talking about classified information in any vehicles.
Safety Advice for Defence Personnel
During a recent interview on LBC, a defence minister commented on claims that Ministry of Defence officials have been told not to discuss classified information while travelling in Chinese cars.
The minister explained that the ministry is “investigating” Chinese vehicles within its fleets, but noted that security is a issue in all contemporary cars.
Our department has a fleet of thousands of vehicles in the MoD and Chinese ones represent a very small number.
However whether you’re driving a vehicle from China or a car from another country, our instruction to our staff is to avoid connecting MoD devices into their vehicle, not to have conversations at a classified level in any kind of vehicle, due to the increasing risks of eavesdropping that exist in every single automobile, to only have those confidential talks in protected areas. That’s a prudent and reasonable thing for everyone worried about safety.
After it was suggested that it would be wise for the MoD to cease using all cars from China, the minister replied: ‘That’s exactly what we’re investigating at the moment.”
Wider Security Background
This announcement comes as reports from Norway and Denmark have alerted the UK to the presence of dual-use shutdown mechanisms in Chinese buses, which could enable China to switch off public transport and cause chaos to transport systems.
Additionally, a Russia intelligence vessel was reportedly directing lasers at RAF pilots, labeled a “highly dangerous” act by government representatives.
The broader security environment underscores the importance of strong protocols and caution in all aspects of official activities, from transport usage to communication practices.
