An defence official has stated that the MoD is currently examining the potential security risks posed by Chinese vehicles, and staff have been instructed to refrain from talking about secret matters in any cars.
Safety Guidance for MoD Personnel
During a recently aired interview on LBC, a defence minister addressed reports that Ministry of Defence staff have been instructed not to discuss classified material while riding in China-made cars.
The minister said that the MoD is “examining” Chinese vehicles within its vehicle pools, but stressed that security is a concern in all contemporary vehicles.
Our department has a fleet of tens of thousands of cars in the MoD and those vehicles account for a very small number.
But regardless of if you’re driving a Chinese car or a non-Chinese car, our instruction to our staff is to avoid connecting Ministry of Defence technology into their vehicle, to avoid having discussions at a classified classification in any car, due to the growing threats of eavesdropping that exist in every single automobile, to restrict those confidential talks in secure locations. This is a wise and sensible thing for anyone worried about safety.
When it was put to him that it would be prudent for the MoD to stop using every Chinese vehicles, the minister replied: That is precisely what we are looking into at the present time.”
Wider Defence Background
This announcement follows reports from Scandinavian countries have alerted the UK to the existence of multi-purpose shutdown mechanisms in Chinese-made electric buses, which could allow the Chinese government to disable public transport and bring disruption to public transit.
Furthermore, a Russian intelligence vessel has been shining laser beams at RAF aircrew, labeled a “extremely risky” action by government representatives.
This broader defence situation highlights the significance of strong protocols and vigilance in all aspects of government activities, from vehicle use to communication practices.
