Minister States MoD Examining Potential Threat from Chinese Cars, with Staff Advised to Avoid Secret Talk in Vehicles.
A defence minister has stated that the MoD is actively looking into the possible security risks posed by Chinese vehicles, and personnel have been instructed to refrain from discussing secret matters in all vehicles.
Security Advice for Defence Staff
In a recent appearance on a radio station, a defence minister commented on claims that Ministry of Defence staff have been told not to talk about secret material while riding in China-made cars.
The minister explained that the MoD is “examining” cars from China within its fleets, however emphasised that safety is a issue in all modern cars.
Our department has a fleet of tens of thousands of vehicles in the Ministry of Defence and Chinese ones represent a tiny fraction.
But regardless of if you’re driving a vehicle from China or a car from another country, our instruction to our people is to avoid connecting MoD technology into their vehicle, not to have conversations at a classified classification in any kind of vehicle, because of the growing risks of surveillance that exist in all automobile, to only have those confidential conversations in protected areas. That’s a prudent and sensible thing for anyone worried about safety.
When it was suggested that it would be wise for the MoD to stop using all Chinese vehicles, the minister replied: That is precisely what we are looking into at the moment.”
Broader Defence Background
This announcement follows claims from Norway and Denmark have warned the United Kingdom to the existence of multi-purpose shutdown mechanisms in Chinese electric buses, which could allow China to switch off public transport and bring disruption to transport systems.
Furthermore, a Russia spy ship was reportedly directing laser beams at RAF aircrew, described as a “extremely risky” action by defence officials.
This wider security situation highlights the significance of robust protocols and caution in all aspects of official operations, including transport usage to communication habits.
