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A defence minister has revealed that the MoD is actively examining the possible security risks posed by Chinese vehicles, and personnel have been advised to refrain from discussing classified information in all vehicles.

Safety Advice for MoD Personnel

During a recent interview on a radio station, a defence minister addressed claims that MoD officials have been told not to discuss classified material while travelling in China-made vehicles.

The minister stated that the ministry is “investigating” Chinese vehicles within its vehicle pools, however stressed that safety is a concern in all contemporary cars.

We have a fleet of thousands of cars in the Ministry of Defence and those vehicles represent a very small number.

But whether you’re traveling in a Chinese car or a car from another country, what we’ve asked our people is to avoid connecting MoD technology into their car, to avoid having discussions at a secret classification in any car, due to the growing threats of surveillance that exist in all automobile, to restrict those secret conversations in protected areas. That’s a wise and reasonable thing for everyone worried about safety.

After it was suggested that it would be wise for the MoD to cease using every cars from China, the minister responded: ‘That’s exactly what we are looking into at the moment.”

Wider Defence Context

The announcement comes as claims from Scandinavian countries have warned the UK to the existence of multi-purpose shutdown mechanisms in Chinese-made electric buses, which could allow the Chinese government to switch off buses and bring chaos to transport systems.

Furthermore, a Russian intelligence vessel has been directing laser beams at RAF aircrew, described as a “extremely risky” action by government representatives.

The broader security situation underscores the importance of robust measures and caution in all aspects of official activities, including transport use to communication practices.