An defence minister has confirmed that the Ministry of Defence is actively examining the possible security risks posed by Chinese-made cars, and personnel have been instructed to avoid discussing secret matters in any vehicles.
Security Guidance for MoD Staff
In a recently aired appearance on a radio station, a defence minister commented on claims that MoD officials have been told not to talk about classified material while travelling in Chinese cars.
The minister explained that the MoD is “examining” Chinese vehicles within its vehicle pools, however stressed that security is a concern in every modern cars.
We have a collection of thousands of cars in the Ministry of Defence and Chinese ones account for a very small number.
However whether you’re traveling in a vehicle from China or a non-Chinese car, what we’ve asked our people is to avoid connecting Ministry of Defence technology into their vehicle, to avoid having conversations at a classified classification in any kind of car, due to the increasing threats of eavesdropping that exist in every single automobile, to only have those secret talks in protected areas. That’s a prudent and reasonable thing for everyone worried about security.
After it was put to him that it would be prudent for the MoD to stop using all cars from China, the minister replied: ‘That’s precisely what we’re investigating at the present time.”
Wider Security Context
This revelation comes as reports from Scandinavian countries have alerted the UK to the existence of multi-purpose shutdown mechanisms in Chinese buses, which could allow the Chinese government to disable public transport and bring chaos to public transit.
Additionally, a Russia intelligence vessel was reportedly directing laser beams at RAF pilots, labeled a “extremely risky” action by defence officials.
The broader defence situation highlights the importance of robust measures and vigilance in every areas of government operations, including vehicle use to discussions practices.
