An defence official has revealed that the MoD is currently looking into the possible security risks associated with Chinese-made cars, while personnel have been told to avoid discussing classified information in any vehicles.
Security Advice for Defence Staff
During a recently aired appearance on a radio station, a defence minister addressed reports that Ministry of Defence staff have been told not to talk about classified material while travelling in China-made vehicles.
The minister explained that the MoD is “looking into” Chinese vehicles within its vehicle pools, but stressed that security is a concern in all contemporary vehicles.
Our department has a collection of tens of thousands of cars in the Ministry of Defence and Chinese ones represent a tiny fraction.
However regardless of if you’re traveling in a Chinese car or a car from another country, what we’ve asked our people is not to plug MoD technology into their vehicle, to avoid having conversations at a secret level in any car, due to the growing threats of eavesdropping that exist in every single automobile, to restrict those confidential talks in secure locations. That’s a wise and sensible thing for everyone concerned about security.
When it was put to him that it would be wise for the ministry to cease using all Chinese vehicles, the minister replied: That is precisely what we’re investigating at the moment.”
Broader Defence Context
The announcement comes as reports from Scandinavian countries have alerted the UK to the presence of dual-use kill switches in Chinese buses, which could allow the Chinese government to disable buses and cause disruption to public transit.
Furthermore, a Russia intelligence vessel was reportedly shining lasers at RAF pilots, labeled a “extremely risky” action by government representatives.
The wider security environment highlights the importance of strong protocols and vigilance in every aspects of government operations, including transport usage to discussions practices.
