An defence minister has revealed that the MoD is currently investigating the potential security risks posed by Chinese cars, and personnel have been advised to avoid discussing secret matters in any vehicles.
Security Guidance for Defence Staff
During a recently aired interview on a radio station, a defence minister addressed claims that MoD officials have been instructed not to discuss classified information while travelling in Chinese vehicles.
The minister stated that the ministry is “looking into” Chinese vehicles within its vehicle pools, however noted that security is a concern in all modern cars.
We have a fleet of thousands of vehicles in the MoD and Chinese ones represent a very small number.
However whether you’re driving a Chinese car or a non-Chinese car, our instruction to our people is to avoid connecting MoD technology into their car, not to have discussions at a secret classification in any vehicle, because of the growing risks of surveillance that are present in every single automobile, to restrict those confidential conversations in secure locations. This is a prudent and reasonable thing for everyone concerned about security.
After it was suggested that it would be wise for the ministry to stop using all cars from China, the minister responded: That is exactly what we are looking into at the present time.”
Wider Security Context
This revelation follows claims from Scandinavian countries have alerted the United Kingdom to the existence of dual-use kill switches in Chinese-made electric buses, which could allow China to disable buses and bring chaos to public transit.
Furthermore, a Russia intelligence vessel was reportedly shining laser beams at Royal Air Force aircrew, labeled a “highly dangerous” action by government representatives.
This wider defence situation underscores the importance of strong protocols and vigilance in every areas of official activities, from vehicle usage to discussions practices.
