Minister Says Ministry of Defence Investigating Potential Threat from Chinese Cars, as Staff Instructed to Refrain from Confidential Discussions in Vehicles.
A defence minister has stated that the MoD is actively investigating the potential threats associated with Chinese vehicles, and staff have been told to refrain from talking about secret matters in any vehicles.
Security Guidance for MoD Personnel
During a recently aired appearance on a radio station, a defence minister addressed reports that MoD staff have been told not to talk about classified material while travelling in China-made cars.
The minister said that the ministry is “looking into” Chinese vehicles within its vehicle pools, but noted that safety is a concern in all contemporary cars.
Our department has a fleet of thousands of vehicles in the Ministry of Defence and those vehicles account for a very small number.
However whether you’re driving a Chinese car or a non-Chinese car, what we’ve asked our people is to avoid connecting Ministry of Defence devices into their vehicle, to avoid having discussions at a secret level in any kind of vehicle, due to the increasing risks of eavesdropping that exist in every single vehicle, to only have those confidential talks in secure locations. This is a prudent and reasonable thing for anyone worried about safety.
After it was put to him that it would be prudent for the ministry to cease using every cars from China, the minister responded: That is exactly what we’re investigating at the present time.”
Wider Security Background
This announcement follows reports from Norway and Denmark have warned the United Kingdom to the presence of dual-use kill switches in Chinese electric buses, which could enable the Chinese government to disable public transport and bring chaos to transport systems.
Additionally, a Russia intelligence vessel was reportedly shining laser beams at RAF pilots, labeled a “extremely risky” act by government representatives.
The wider defence situation underscores the importance of strong protocols and caution in all aspects of government operations, from vehicle use to discussions practices.
