Government Official Says Ministry of Defence Investigating Potential Threat from Vehicles from China, with Personnel Told to Avoid Confidential Discussions in Cars.
A defence minister has stated that the MoD is currently examining the possible security risks associated with Chinese-made cars, while personnel have been instructed to avoid talking about classified matters in any vehicles.
Safety Guidance for MoD Staff
In a recently aired appearance on a radio station, a defence minister commented on reports that MoD staff have been instructed not to talk about classified material while travelling in Chinese vehicles.
The minister explained that the ministry is “investigating” cars from China within its vehicle pools, however stressed that security is a concern in all modern cars.
Our department has a collection of tens of thousands of cars in the MoD and those vehicles account for a very small number.
However regardless of if you’re driving a vehicle from China or a non-Chinese car, what we’ve asked our people is to avoid connecting MoD devices into their vehicle, not to have discussions at a classified level in any vehicle, because of the increasing threats of surveillance that exist in all automobile, to only have those confidential talks in protected areas. This is a wise and reasonable thing for everyone concerned about security.
When it was put to him that it would be prudent for the MoD to cease using all Chinese vehicles, the minister replied: ‘That’s precisely what we are looking into at the moment.”
Wider Security Context
This announcement comes as reports from Norway and Denmark have alerted the UK to the existence of dual-use shutdown mechanisms in Chinese-made electric buses, which could allow the Chinese government to switch off buses and cause disruption to public transit.
Furthermore, a Russian spy ship was reportedly shining laser beams at Royal Air Force pilots, described as a “extremely risky” act by defence officials.
This wider defence situation underscores the importance of robust measures and vigilance in all aspects of official activities, including vehicle use to communication habits.
