An defence official has confirmed that the MoD is currently looking into the potential security risks associated with Chinese-made cars, while personnel have been told to avoid discussing classified matters in any vehicles.
Security Guidance for Defence Personnel
In a recently aired interview on LBC, a defence minister addressed reports that MoD officials have been told not to talk about classified information while riding in China-made cars.
The minister said that the ministry is “investigating” cars from China within its vehicle pools, but stressed that security is a issue in all contemporary vehicles.
Our department has a fleet of thousands of cars in the MoD and Chinese ones represent a tiny fraction.
However regardless of if you’re driving a vehicle from China or a non-Chinese car, what we’ve asked our people is not to plug MoD devices into their car, to avoid having discussions at a secret classification in any kind of vehicle, because of the increasing risks of eavesdropping that are present in all automobile, to only have those secret talks in protected areas. That’s a prudent and sensible thing for everyone concerned about safety.
When it was put to him that it would be prudent for the MoD to stop using all cars from China, the minister replied: ‘That’s exactly what we are looking into at the present time.”
Broader Security Background
The announcement comes as claims from Norway and Denmark have warned the United Kingdom to the existence of dual-use shutdown mechanisms in Chinese-made electric buses, which could enable China to switch off buses and bring disruption to transport systems.
Additionally, a Russian spy ship was reportedly directing laser beams at Royal Air Force aircrew, described as a “highly dangerous” action by government representatives.
This broader security situation highlights the significance of strong protocols and caution in all aspects of government operations, from transport usage to communication practices.
