A defence minister has confirmed that the Ministry of Defence is currently looking into the possible security risks posed by Chinese-made cars, and personnel have been instructed to refrain from talking about classified matters in any cars.
Security Guidance for Defence Staff
In a recent appearance on a radio station, a defence minister commented on reports that MoD staff have been instructed not to discuss classified material while riding in Chinese vehicles.
The minister explained that the MoD is “looking into” cars from China within its fleets, but stressed that security is a concern in all contemporary vehicles.
Our department has a collection of tens of thousands of vehicles in the Ministry of Defence and Chinese ones account for a very small number.
However regardless of if you’re driving a vehicle from China or a non-Chinese car, what we’ve asked our staff is to avoid connecting Ministry of Defence technology into their car, not to have discussions at a secret classification in any kind of vehicle, due to the increasing risks of eavesdropping that are present in every single vehicle, to only have those confidential conversations in protected areas. This is a prudent and sensible thing for everyone worried about safety.
After it was suggested that it would be wise for the MoD to stop using every Chinese vehicles, the minister responded: ‘That’s exactly what we’re investigating at the moment.”
Wider Security Background
The revelation follows claims from Norway and Denmark have alerted the United Kingdom to the existence of dual-use shutdown mechanisms in Chinese electric buses, which could allow the Chinese government to switch off public transport and cause disruption to public transit.
Additionally, a Russia intelligence vessel has been directing lasers at RAF pilots, labeled a “extremely risky” action by government representatives.
The broader security situation underscores the significance of robust measures and caution in all areas of government operations, including transport use to discussions practices.
