A defence official has revealed that the MoD is actively looking into the possible security risks associated with Chinese cars, while personnel have been instructed to refrain from discussing classified matters in all vehicles.
Security Advice for MoD Personnel
In a recent interview on LBC, a defence minister addressed reports that MoD officials have been told not to discuss secret information while riding in Chinese vehicles.
The minister explained that the MoD is “investigating” cars from China within its fleets, but emphasised that safety is a concern in all contemporary vehicles.
We have a fleet of thousands of vehicles in the Ministry of Defence and those vehicles account for a very small number.
But whether you’re driving a vehicle from China or a non-Chinese car, our instruction to our people is not to plug Ministry of Defence devices into their vehicle, not to have discussions at a secret classification in any car, because of the increasing threats of eavesdropping that are present in all automobile, to restrict those confidential conversations in protected areas. That’s a prudent and reasonable thing for anyone worried about safety.
When it was suggested that it would be wise 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 Defence Context
The revelation follows reports from Norway and Denmark have warned the United Kingdom to the existence of dual-use shutdown mechanisms in Chinese-made electric buses, which could enable the Chinese government to switch off public transport and bring disruption to public transit.
Additionally, a Russian spy ship has been directing lasers at RAF pilots, labeled a “highly dangerous” action by defence officials.
The wider defence environment highlights the significance of strong protocols and vigilance in every aspects of official activities, including transport use to discussions habits.
