A defence minister has stated that the MoD is currently investigating the potential threats associated with Chinese-made cars, while staff have been told to avoid talking about classified information in any cars.
Security Guidance for Defence Staff
During a recently aired interview on a radio station, a defence minister addressed claims that Ministry of Defence officials have been told not to discuss classified material while travelling in Chinese cars.
He said that the ministry is “looking into” cars from China within its vehicle pools, but stressed that safety is a concern in all modern vehicles.
We have a fleet of tens of thousands of cars in the Ministry of Defence and those vehicles account for a very small number.
However whether you’re traveling in a vehicle from China or a non-Chinese car, what we’ve asked our people is not to plug MoD devices into their car, not to have discussions at a secret level in any kind of car, because of the increasing threats of eavesdropping that are present in every single automobile, to only have those confidential talks in protected areas. This is a prudent and sensible thing for everyone concerned about safety.
After it was put to him that it would be prudent for the MoD to stop using every Chinese vehicles, the minister responded: ‘That’s precisely what we are looking into at the present time.”
Broader Defence Background
This revelation comes as reports from Norway and Denmark have alerted the United Kingdom to the presence of dual-use kill switches in Chinese electric buses, which could enable China to switch off public transport and cause chaos to transport systems.
Additionally, a Russia intelligence vessel has been directing laser beams at RAF pilots, described as a “highly dangerous” action by government representatives.
The wider security environment highlights the significance of robust protocols and vigilance in every aspects of government operations, including transport use to communication habits.
