Government Official Confirms Ministry of Defence Examining Security Risk from Chinese Cars, with Personnel Advised to Avoid Secret Talk in Vehicles.

An defense minister has confirmed that the MoD is actively examining the potential threats associated with Chinese vehicles, while staff have been told to avoid discussing secret matters in all cars.

Safety Guidance for Defence Personnel

In a recent interview on a radio station, a defence minister commented on claims that Ministry of Defence officials have been told not to discuss secret material while riding in Chinese cars.

The minister said that the ministry is “looking into” Chinese vehicles within its fleets, however stressed that safety is a concern in every modern vehicles.

Our department has a fleet of thousands of vehicles in the Ministry of Defence and those vehicles account for a very small number.

But whether you’re traveling in a Chinese car or a non-Chinese car, what we’ve asked our people is to avoid connecting MoD devices into their vehicle, to avoid having conversations at a classified classification in any kind of vehicle, because of the increasing risks of eavesdropping that are present in every single automobile, to restrict those confidential talks in secure locations. This is a prudent and sensible thing for everyone worried about safety.

When it was suggested that it would be prudent for the ministry to stop using every Chinese vehicles, the minister responded: ‘That’s exactly what we’re investigating at the moment.”

Wider Security Background

The announcement comes as reports from Norway and Denmark have warned the UK to the existence of multi-purpose kill switches in Chinese-made electric buses, which could allow China to disable buses and bring disruption to transport systems.

Additionally, a Russian intelligence vessel has been directing lasers at Royal Air Force pilots, labeled a “highly dangerous” act by defence officials.

The broader defence environment underscores the significance of robust measures and vigilance in all areas of official activities, from vehicle use to communication practices.