A defence minister has stated that the Ministry of Defence is actively examining the potential security risks associated with Chinese vehicles, while personnel have been instructed to refrain from talking about classified information in all cars.
Safety Guidance for Defence Personnel
In a recently aired appearance on LBC, a defence minister commented on claims that MoD staff have been instructed not to talk about classified material while travelling in China-made cars.
The minister explained that the ministry is “looking into” Chinese vehicles within its fleets, however noted that safety is a issue in every contemporary cars.
Our department has a fleet of tens of thousands of vehicles in the Ministry of Defence and Chinese ones account for a very small number.
However whether you’re driving a vehicle from China or a car from another country, what we’ve asked our people is to avoid connecting Ministry of Defence technology into their vehicle, not to have conversations at a secret classification in any kind of vehicle, due to the growing risks of surveillance that are present in every single automobile, to only have those confidential conversations in protected areas. This is a wise and sensible thing for anyone worried about safety.
When it was suggested that it would be wise for the ministry to cease using all Chinese vehicles, the minister responded: That is exactly what we’re investigating at the moment.”
Broader Defence Context
This announcement comes as reports from Scandinavian countries have alerted the United Kingdom to the existence of dual-use kill switches in Chinese electric buses, which could enable China to switch off buses and cause disruption to transport systems.
Additionally, a Russia intelligence vessel was reportedly directing laser beams at RAF aircrew, labeled a “extremely risky” act by government representatives.
The wider security situation highlights the importance of strong measures and caution in all aspects of government activities, from vehicle use to communication practices.
