A defense official has revealed that the MoD is currently looking into the possible threats posed by Chinese-made vehicles, and personnel have been instructed to refrain from talking about classified information in any vehicles.
Security Guidance for Defence Staff
During a recently aired appearance on LBC, a defence minister addressed reports that MoD staff have been instructed not to discuss classified material while travelling in China-made cars.
The minister stated that the MoD is “investigating” Chinese vehicles within its vehicle pools, however noted that security is a issue in every contemporary cars.
We have a fleet of thousands of cars in the Ministry of Defence and Chinese ones represent a very small number.
However whether you’re driving 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, due to the growing risks of surveillance that exist in every single vehicle, to only have those confidential talks in secure locations. That’s a wise and reasonable thing for anyone concerned about safety.
After it was put to him that it would be prudent for the MoD to cease using every Chinese vehicles, the minister replied: That is precisely what we are looking into at the present time.”
Broader Security Background
This announcement follows claims from Norway and Denmark have alerted the UK to the existence of dual-use kill switches in Chinese-made electric buses, which could enable China to switch off buses and cause disruption to public transit.
Additionally, a Russia intelligence vessel was reportedly directing lasers at Royal Air Force aircrew, labeled a “highly dangerous” act by defence officials.
This broader defence situation underscores the importance of strong protocols and vigilance in all areas of government activities, including vehicle use to communication habits.