Minister Says Ministry of Defence Examining Security Risk from Chinese Cars, as Personnel Advised to Refrain from Secret Talk in Cars.
An defence official has revealed that the Ministry of Defence is currently examining the possible security risks associated with Chinese vehicles, while staff have been told to avoid discussing classified matters in any vehicles.
Security Guidance for MoD Personnel
In a recent appearance on a radio station, a defence minister commented on reports that MoD officials have been instructed not to discuss secret material while riding in China-made vehicles.
He said that the MoD is “investigating” Chinese vehicles within its fleets, however stressed that safety is a issue in all contemporary cars.
Our department has a collection of tens of thousands of vehicles in the Ministry of Defence and Chinese ones represent a very small number.
But regardless of if you’re traveling in a vehicle from China or a car from another country, what we’ve asked our people is to avoid connecting Ministry of Defence devices into their vehicle, not to have conversations at a secret level in any kind of car, due to the growing risks of surveillance that are present in all vehicle, to restrict those secret talks in secure locations. This is a wise and reasonable thing for everyone worried about security.
When it was suggested that it would be prudent for the ministry to cease using every Chinese vehicles, the minister replied: That is precisely what we’re investigating at the moment.”
Broader Defence Context
The announcement follows reports from Scandinavian countries have warned the UK to the existence of dual-use kill switches in Chinese electric buses, which could enable China to switch off public transport and bring chaos to public transit.
Additionally, a Russia intelligence vessel has been shining lasers at Royal Air Force aircrew, labeled a “extremely risky” action by government representatives.
This wider security environment underscores the importance of strong measures and vigilance in every aspects of government activities, from transport usage to communication practices.