A defence official has stated that the MoD is currently examining the potential security risks associated with Chinese cars, and staff have been told to refrain from discussing secret information in all cars.
Security Advice for MoD Staff
In a recent interview on a radio station, a defence minister addressed reports that Ministry of Defence officials have been instructed not to talk about classified material while travelling in China-made cars.
The minister said that the ministry is “examining” Chinese vehicles within its fleets, but emphasised that safety is a concern in all modern vehicles.
Our department has a collection of tens of thousands of vehicles in the MoD and those vehicles account for a tiny fraction.
However whether you’re traveling in a Chinese car or a non-Chinese car, what we’ve asked our people is not to plug Ministry of Defence devices into their vehicle, to avoid having discussions at a classified level in any vehicle, because of the growing threats of eavesdropping that exist in all automobile, to only have those secret talks in protected areas. This is a prudent and sensible thing for everyone worried about safety.
When it was put to him that it would be prudent for the MoD to cease using every cars from China, the minister responded: That is exactly what we’re investigating at the moment.”
Wider Defence Context
This revelation follows reports from Norway and Denmark have alerted the UK to the presence of multi-purpose kill switches in Chinese electric buses, which could allow the Chinese government to switch off buses and cause chaos to transport systems.
Additionally, a Russia intelligence vessel has been shining lasers at RAF aircrew, described as a “highly dangerous” action by defence officials.
The broader defence environment underscores the significance of robust measures and vigilance in every areas of official activities, including transport use to communication habits.
