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An defense official has stated that the MoD is currently examining the potential security risks posed by Chinese cars, while personnel have been told to avoid talking about classified matters in all vehicles.

Security Guidance for Defence Staff

During a recently aired appearance on a radio station, a defence minister commented on reports that MoD officials have been instructed not to discuss classified material while riding in Chinese vehicles.

The minister stated that the MoD is “investigating” cars from China within its vehicle pools, however noted that security is a issue in every contemporary vehicles.

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

However whether you’re driving a Chinese car or a car from another country, what we’ve asked our people is to avoid connecting Ministry of Defence technology into their car, to avoid having discussions at a classified level in any kind of vehicle, due to the growing threats of surveillance that are present in all automobile, to restrict those confidential conversations in secure locations. This is a wise and reasonable thing for anyone concerned about security.

When it was put to him that it would be prudent for the ministry to stop using every Chinese vehicles, the minister replied: ‘That’s exactly what we are looking into at the moment.”

Wider Defence Background

The revelation follows claims from Scandinavian countries 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 transport systems.

Additionally, a Russia intelligence vessel has been shining laser beams at RAF pilots, labeled a “extremely risky” action by government representatives.

The wider defence situation highlights the importance of strong protocols and caution in all aspects of government operations, from vehicle use to discussions habits.