An defense official has revealed that the MoD is actively examining the possible security risks posed by Chinese-made vehicles, while personnel have been advised to avoid discussing secret information in any vehicles.
Safety Guidance for MoD Personnel
In a recently aired appearance on a radio station, a defence minister commented on claims that MoD staff have been instructed not to discuss secret material while riding in Chinese vehicles.
He stated that the ministry is “examining” cars from China within its fleets, but noted that security is a concern in every contemporary vehicles.
We have a fleet of thousands of vehicles in the MoD and Chinese ones represent a tiny fraction.
However whether you’re driving a vehicle from China or a car from another country, our instruction to our people is to avoid connecting MoD technology into their car, not to have conversations at a classified level in any vehicle, because of the growing risks of surveillance that exist in every single vehicle, to only have those confidential talks in secure locations. That’s a prudent and sensible thing for everyone concerned about safety.
When it was suggested that it would be wise for the MoD to cease using every Chinese vehicles, the minister responded: That is exactly what we’re investigating at the present time.”
Broader Security Background
The announcement comes as claims from Norway and Denmark have warned the United Kingdom to the presence of dual-use shutdown mechanisms in Chinese electric buses, which could allow the Chinese government to disable buses and cause chaos to public transit.
Furthermore, a Russia intelligence vessel has been shining laser beams at RAF aircrew, described as a “highly dangerous” act by defence officials.
This broader defence environment underscores the importance of robust protocols and vigilance in all areas of official activities, from transport use to discussions practices.
