Minister Confirms Ministry of Defence Looking at Security Risk from Chinese Cars, as Personnel Told to Refrain from Confidential Discussions in Cars.
An defense official has stated that the MoD is actively examining the possible threats associated with Chinese-made cars, and staff have been advised to avoid talking about secret matters in all vehicles.
Security Guidance for Defence Personnel
During a recently aired appearance on LBC, a defence minister commented on claims that MoD staff have been told not to discuss secret material while travelling in China-made cars.
He said that the MoD is “investigating” Chinese vehicles within its vehicle pools, but emphasised that safety is a issue in all contemporary cars.
Our department has a collection of tens of thousands of vehicles in the MoD and Chinese ones account for a very small number.
But regardless of if you’re traveling in a vehicle from China or a non-Chinese car, what we’ve asked our staff is not to plug Ministry of Defence devices into their car, to avoid having discussions at a classified classification in any kind of car, due to the increasing threats of eavesdropping that exist in every single vehicle, to restrict those confidential conversations in secure locations. That’s a prudent and sensible thing for everyone worried about security.
When it was suggested that it would be prudent for the ministry to stop using every Chinese vehicles, the minister replied: That is precisely what we’re investigating at the moment.”
Broader Defence Background
The revelation follows reports from Scandinavian countries have alerted the United Kingdom to the existence of dual-use kill switches in Chinese buses, which could enable the Chinese government to disable public transport and cause disruption to transport systems.
Additionally, a Russia intelligence vessel was reportedly shining laser beams at RAF aircrew, described as a “extremely risky” act by government representatives.
The wider security situation underscores the significance of robust protocols and vigilance in all areas of government activities, from vehicle use to discussions practices.
