Minister States Ministry of Defence Looking at Security Risk from Chinese Cars, with Personnel Told to Refrain from Secret Talk in Cars.
An defense official has stated that the MoD is actively investigating the potential threats associated with Chinese cars, and staff have been advised to refrain from discussing classified matters in all vehicles.
Safety Guidance for Defence Personnel
In a recently aired interview on a radio station, a defence minister addressed claims that MoD staff have been told not to discuss classified material while riding in China-made vehicles.
He said that the ministry is “examining” Chinese vehicles within its vehicle pools, but stressed that security is a issue in every modern cars.
We have a fleet of tens of thousands of vehicles in the Ministry of Defence and those vehicles account for a very small number.
But whether you’re traveling in a Chinese car or a non-Chinese car, our instruction to our people is to avoid connecting MoD technology into their vehicle, not to have conversations at a classified classification in any kind of vehicle, because of the growing risks of surveillance that are present in every single vehicle, to only have those confidential talks in protected areas. This is a prudent and sensible thing for everyone worried about security.
When it was suggested that it would be wise for the MoD to cease using all cars from China, the minister replied: That is precisely what we are looking into at the present time.”
Broader Defence Background
The revelation follows claims from Norway and Denmark have alerted the United Kingdom to the presence of multi-purpose shutdown mechanisms in Chinese buses, which could enable the Chinese government to switch off buses and cause chaos to public transit.
Furthermore, a Russia intelligence vessel was reportedly directing laser beams at RAF aircrew, labeled a “extremely risky” act by defence officials.
This wider security situation highlights the importance of strong measures and vigilance in every areas of government operations, from vehicle use to communication habits.
