A defence official has stated that the MoD is currently looking into the possible threats associated with Chinese-made vehicles, while staff have been advised to refrain from discussing classified information 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 discuss secret material while travelling in China-made vehicles.
The minister said that the MoD is “examining” Chinese vehicles within its vehicle pools, however emphasised that safety is a concern in all modern cars.
Our department has a fleet of tens of thousands of cars in the MoD and those vehicles represent a very small number.
However whether you’re driving a vehicle from China or a non-Chinese car, what we’ve asked our people is to avoid connecting Ministry of Defence devices into their car, to avoid having conversations at a classified level in any kind of vehicle, because of the growing risks of eavesdropping that exist in all automobile, to only have those confidential conversations in secure locations. That’s a prudent and sensible thing for everyone concerned about safety.
After it was put to him that it would be wise for the MoD to cease using every cars from China, the minister replied: ‘That’s precisely what we are looking into at the present time.”
Wider Security Background
This revelation comes as reports from Norway and Denmark have warned the United Kingdom to the presence of dual-use kill switches in Chinese-made electric buses, which could enable the Chinese government to switch off buses and cause chaos to transport systems.
Additionally, a Russia intelligence vessel was reportedly shining lasers at RAF aircrew, described as a “highly dangerous” act by defence officials.
This wider defence environment underscores the significance of robust measures and vigilance in every areas of government activities, from transport usage to discussions habits.
