Minister States MoD Examining Security Risk from Chinese Cars, with Personnel Advised to Refrain from Secret Talk in Cars.
A defense minister has stated that the Ministry of Defence is currently examining the possible security risks associated with Chinese vehicles, and staff have been told to avoid talking about classified matters in all cars.
Safety Guidance for Defence Personnel
During a recent appearance on LBC, a defence minister commented on reports that MoD staff have been told not to talk about secret material while riding in Chinese vehicles.
The minister said that the ministry is “investigating” Chinese vehicles within its fleets, but emphasised that safety is a issue in all modern vehicles.
Our department has a collection of thousands of vehicles in the MoD and those vehicles represent a very small number.
However regardless of if you’re traveling in a Chinese car or a car from another country, our instruction to our people is to avoid connecting Ministry of Defence technology into their vehicle, not to have discussions at a classified level in any kind of vehicle, due to the increasing risks of surveillance that are present in every single automobile, to restrict those confidential talks in secure locations. That’s a wise and sensible thing for anyone worried about security.
After it was put to him that it would be prudent for the ministry to cease using every cars from China, the minister replied: That is precisely what we are looking into at the moment.”
Wider Security Background
This revelation comes as reports from Scandinavian countries have alerted the United Kingdom to the existence of dual-use shutdown mechanisms in Chinese-made electric buses, which could allow China to switch off buses and bring chaos to transport systems.
Furthermore, a Russia intelligence vessel was reportedly directing laser beams at RAF pilots, described as a “highly dangerous” act by defence officials.
This broader defence situation highlights the importance of strong protocols and caution in all aspects of official activities, from transport use to communication habits.
