An defense official has revealed that the MoD is actively examining the possible threats associated with Chinese-made vehicles, and staff have been instructed to refrain from talking about classified matters in all cars.
Security Guidance for MoD Staff
During a recently aired appearance on a radio station, a defence minister commented on claims that MoD officials have been told not to discuss classified information while travelling in Chinese cars.
The minister explained that the MoD is “examining” cars from China within its vehicle pools, but emphasised that safety is a issue in every contemporary cars.
We have a fleet of thousands of cars in the MoD and those vehicles represent a tiny fraction.
However regardless of if you’re traveling in a vehicle from China or a non-Chinese car, what we’ve asked our staff is to avoid connecting MoD technology into their car, not to have discussions at a classified level in any car, because of the growing risks of eavesdropping that exist in all vehicle, to only have 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 wise for the MoD to stop using all Chinese vehicles, the minister replied: ‘That’s precisely what we’re investigating at the present time.”
Wider Security Context
The announcement follows claims from Scandinavian countries have warned the UK to the presence of dual-use shutdown mechanisms in Chinese buses, which could allow China to disable buses and bring disruption to public transit.
Additionally, a Russian spy ship was reportedly shining lasers at RAF pilots, labeled a “extremely risky” act by defence officials.
This wider security environment underscores the significance of robust measures and vigilance in all areas of official operations, from vehicle use to discussions habits.
