A defense official has revealed that the MoD is actively looking into the possible threats associated with Chinese-made cars, and staff have been told to refrain from discussing secret matters in all cars.
Security Guidance for MoD Staff
In a recent appearance on a radio station, a defence minister addressed reports that Ministry of Defence staff have been told not to discuss secret information while travelling in China-made cars.
He stated that the MoD is “investigating” Chinese vehicles within its fleets, however emphasised that safety is a issue in all contemporary cars.
We have a fleet of thousands of vehicles in the Ministry of Defence and Chinese ones account for a tiny fraction.
However whether 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 car, to avoid having discussions at a classified level in any car, due to the growing risks of surveillance that are present in every single automobile, to restrict those confidential talks in secure locations. This is a prudent and reasonable thing for anyone concerned about security.
When it was put to him that it would be prudent for the ministry to stop using all Chinese vehicles, the minister replied: ‘That’s precisely what we’re investigating at the present time.”
Broader Security Background
The announcement comes as reports from Norway and Denmark have warned the United Kingdom to the existence of multi-purpose shutdown mechanisms in Chinese buses, which could allow China to switch off public transport and cause chaos to transport systems.
Furthermore, a Russia intelligence vessel was reportedly directing lasers at RAF pilots, described as a “highly dangerous” act by defence officials.
This broader security environment highlights the importance of strong protocols and vigilance in every aspects of government activities, including transport usage to discussions habits.
