Minister Says MoD Looking at Security Risk from Chinese Cars, with Staff Told to Avoid Confidential Discussions in Cars.
An defence minister has stated that the MoD is actively examining the potential security risks posed by Chinese cars, and personnel have been advised to refrain from talking about classified information in any vehicles.
Security Advice for MoD Personnel
In a recently aired appearance on LBC, a defence minister commented on reports that MoD officials have been told not to talk about classified material while riding in Chinese vehicles.
He explained that the ministry is “looking into” cars from China within its fleets, however noted that security is a issue in every modern vehicles.
We have a collection of thousands of vehicles in the MoD and Chinese ones represent a tiny fraction.
However whether you’re traveling in a vehicle from China or a non-Chinese car, what we’ve asked our people is not to plug Ministry of Defence devices into their vehicle, to avoid having discussions at a classified classification in any car, due to the increasing threats of surveillance that exist in all automobile, to only have those secret conversations in secure locations. This is a wise and reasonable thing for anyone worried about security.
When it was put to him that it would be wise for the MoD to stop using every cars from China, the minister replied: ‘That’s exactly what we’re investigating at the moment.”
Wider Defence Context
The announcement follows claims from Scandinavian countries have warned the UK to the existence of multi-purpose shutdown mechanisms in Chinese buses, which could allow China to switch off public transport and bring disruption to public transit.
Furthermore, a Russian intelligence vessel was reportedly shining laser beams at Royal Air Force aircrew, labeled a “highly dangerous” action by defence officials.
This broader security situation underscores the significance of robust protocols and caution in all areas of official operations, from transport use to communication habits.
