Minister Says MoD Examining Security Risk from Chinese Cars, with Personnel Advised to Refrain from Secret Talk in Cars.
A defense official has revealed that the MoD is currently examining the possible security risks posed by Chinese-made vehicles, and personnel have been told to avoid discussing secret matters in all cars.
Security Advice for MoD Staff
In a recently aired interview on a radio station, a defence minister addressed claims that MoD staff have been instructed not to talk about secret information while riding in Chinese cars.
The minister explained that the ministry is “investigating” cars from China within its vehicle pools, however emphasised that safety is a concern in all modern vehicles.
We have a collection of thousands of cars in the Ministry of Defence and Chinese ones represent a tiny fraction.
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 car, not to have conversations at a classified classification in any vehicle, because of the increasing threats of surveillance that are present in every single automobile, to only have those secret conversations in protected areas. This is a prudent and reasonable thing for everyone worried about safety.
When it was put to him that it would be wise for the MoD to cease using every cars from China, the minister replied: That is exactly what we are looking into at the present time.”
Wider Defence Context
The announcement follows claims from Norway and Denmark have alerted the UK to the presence of multi-purpose shutdown mechanisms in Chinese-made buses, which could allow China to switch off buses and cause disruption to public transit.
Additionally, a Russia intelligence vessel was reportedly directing lasers at RAF pilots, labeled a “extremely risky” action by defence officials.
This broader security environment underscores the significance of strong measures and caution in all aspects of official activities, including vehicle usage to communication practices.