Minister States MoD Looking at Security Risk from Vehicles from China, with Personnel Advised to Refrain from Secret Talk in Vehicles.
An defense official has revealed that the MoD is currently investigating the possible security risks posed by Chinese cars, and staff have been advised to refrain from talking about classified information in any vehicles.
Safety Guidance for MoD Staff
During a recent interview on a radio station, a defence minister commented on reports that Ministry of Defence staff have been told not to discuss classified information while riding in Chinese vehicles.
The minister explained that the ministry is “looking into” Chinese vehicles within its vehicle pools, however noted that safety is a concern in every contemporary vehicles.
We have a collection of tens of thousands of cars in the Ministry of Defence and Chinese ones account for a very small number.
But whether you’re driving a vehicle from China or a car from another country, 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 vehicle, due to the increasing threats of surveillance that exist in every single automobile, to restrict those secret conversations in protected areas. That’s a wise and reasonable thing for everyone concerned about security.
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 precisely what we are looking into at the moment.”
Wider Security Context
This revelation follows claims from Scandinavian countries have warned the United Kingdom to the existence of multi-purpose kill switches in Chinese-made buses, which could enable China to disable public transport and cause disruption to public transit.
Additionally, a Russia spy ship has been shining lasers at Royal Air Force pilots, described as a “extremely risky” act by defence officials.
The broader defence situation highlights the significance of robust protocols and vigilance in all aspects of government operations, from transport usage to discussions practices.
