Minister Says MoD Examining Security Risk from Chinese Cars, with Personnel Instructed to Refrain from Confidential Discussions in Cars.
An defence minister has revealed that the Ministry of Defence is actively examining the potential security risks posed by Chinese-made vehicles, while personnel have been instructed to avoid discussing classified matters in any vehicles.
Security Guidance for Defence Staff
During a recent interview on a radio station, a defence minister addressed claims that MoD staff have been instructed not to talk about secret information while riding in Chinese vehicles.
He said that the MoD is “looking into” Chinese vehicles within its vehicle pools, but stressed that security is a issue in every contemporary vehicles.
Our department has a collection of tens of thousands of vehicles in the Ministry of Defence and Chinese ones represent a very small number.
But 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 MoD technology into their car, not to have discussions at a secret level in any kind of car, due to the growing risks of surveillance that are present in all automobile, to restrict those secret talks in protected areas. That’s a wise and sensible thing for everyone worried about safety.
After it was put to him that it would be prudent for the MoD to cease using every Chinese vehicles, the minister responded: That is precisely what we are looking into at the present time.”
Broader Security Context
This revelation comes as reports from Norway and Denmark have alerted the UK to the existence of dual-use kill switches in Chinese electric buses, which could allow China to switch off public transport and bring disruption to transport systems.
Furthermore, a Russia spy ship was reportedly shining lasers at Royal Air Force aircrew, described as a “highly dangerous” action by government representatives.
The wider security situation underscores the significance of strong protocols and caution in every areas of government activities, including vehicle usage to communication practices.
