🔗 Share this article

A defence official has confirmed that the MoD is currently examining the potential threats posed by Chinese cars, while personnel have been told to refrain from talking about classified matters in all vehicles.

Safety Advice for MoD Staff

In a recent appearance on a radio station, a defence minister commented on reports that MoD officials have been told not to talk about classified material while travelling in Chinese vehicles.

The minister said that the ministry is “looking into” cars from China within its vehicle pools, but noted that security is a concern in all modern vehicles.

Our department has a fleet of thousands of cars in the Ministry of Defence and those vehicles account for a tiny fraction.

But whether you’re traveling in a vehicle from China or a car from another country, what we’ve asked our staff is not to plug Ministry of Defence devices into their vehicle, not to have discussions at a classified level in any kind of vehicle, due to the growing risks of eavesdropping that exist in every single vehicle, to only have those confidential talks in protected areas. That’s a prudent and sensible thing for everyone concerned about security.

After it was put to him that it would be prudent for the MoD to stop using all cars from China, the minister responded: ‘That’s precisely what we’re investigating at the present time.”

Wider Security Background

This revelation comes as reports from Norway and Denmark have warned the UK to the presence of dual-use kill switches in Chinese-made electric buses, which could allow China to switch off buses and bring disruption to public transit.

Furthermore, a Russian intelligence vessel was reportedly shining lasers at Royal Air Force pilots, labeled a “highly dangerous” act by government representatives.

This wider security environment highlights the importance of robust protocols and caution in all areas of government activities, from transport use to discussions habits.