An defense minister has confirmed that the MoD is currently examining the potential security risks associated with Chinese-made cars, while staff have been advised to refrain from talking about secret information in any vehicles.
Security Advice for MoD Staff
In a recent interview on LBC, a defence minister addressed reports that Ministry of Defence officials have been instructed not to talk about classified material while riding in China-made cars.
The minister explained that the MoD is “looking into” Chinese vehicles within its vehicle pools, however noted that safety is a concern in all contemporary cars.
We have a fleet of tens of thousands of vehicles in the Ministry of Defence and Chinese ones represent a tiny fraction.
But whether you’re traveling in a vehicle from China or a non-Chinese car, our instruction to our people is not to plug MoD technology into their vehicle, to avoid having conversations at a classified classification in any kind of car, due to the growing risks of eavesdropping that exist in every single automobile, to only have those confidential conversations in protected areas. This is a wise and reasonable thing for anyone concerned about safety.
When it was suggested that it would be prudent for the ministry to cease using all cars from China, the minister responded: That is precisely what we are looking into at the present time.”
Broader Defence Context
The revelation follows claims from Norway and Denmark have warned the United Kingdom to the presence of dual-use shutdown mechanisms in Chinese-made electric buses, which could enable the Chinese government to switch off public transport and cause disruption to public transit.
Furthermore, a Russia intelligence vessel was reportedly shining lasers at Royal Air Force aircrew, labeled a “extremely risky” action by defence officials.
The broader defence environment highlights the significance of robust measures and caution in all aspects of government activities, from transport usage to discussions habits.
