An defense minister has confirmed that the MoD is currently investigating the potential security risks associated with Chinese-made vehicles, and staff have been instructed to avoid discussing secret matters in all cars.
Safety Guidance for MoD Staff
During a recently aired interview on a radio station, a defence minister commented on claims that MoD staff have been instructed not to discuss classified material while travelling in China-made vehicles.
He said that the ministry is “examining” cars from China within its vehicle pools, but noted that security is a concern in all contemporary vehicles.
We have a collection of tens of thousands of cars in the MoD and those vehicles represent a tiny fraction.
However whether you’re driving a vehicle from China or a car from another country, our instruction to our people is not to plug MoD technology into their vehicle, to avoid having discussions at a classified level in any car, because of the growing threats of eavesdropping that are present in all vehicle, to only have those secret conversations in protected areas. This is a prudent and sensible thing for everyone concerned about security.
When it was put to him that it would be prudent for the MoD to stop using every cars from China, the minister responded: That is precisely what we are looking into at the moment.”
Broader Defence Background
This revelation follows reports from Norway and Denmark have alerted the UK to the existence of multi-purpose shutdown mechanisms in Chinese electric buses, which could enable China to switch off buses and cause chaos to transport systems.
Additionally, a Russia intelligence vessel was reportedly directing laser beams at RAF aircrew, labeled a “highly dangerous” action by defence officials.
The broader defence environment highlights the significance of robust measures and caution in all areas of government operations, from vehicle use to discussions habits.
