Government Official Confirms Ministry of Defence Examining Security Risk from Chinese Cars, as Staff Instructed to Refrain from Confidential Discussions in Cars.
An defence official has stated that the MoD is currently examining the potential threats posed by Chinese cars, and personnel have been advised to refrain from talking about secret information in all vehicles.
Security Advice for Defence Staff
During a recent appearance on LBC, a defence minister addressed reports that MoD officials have been instructed not to talk about classified information while riding in Chinese cars.
The minister stated that the ministry is “investigating” cars from China within its vehicle pools, but noted that security is a issue in all contemporary vehicles.
Our department has a fleet of tens of thousands of vehicles in the Ministry of Defence and Chinese ones represent a tiny fraction.
However whether you’re traveling in a vehicle from China or a car from another country, our instruction to our staff is to avoid connecting MoD technology into their vehicle, not to have discussions at a classified classification in any kind of vehicle, due to the growing threats of eavesdropping that exist in every single automobile, to restrict those secret conversations in secure locations. This is a wise and sensible thing for anyone worried about security.
When it was put to him that it would be wise for the ministry to stop using all Chinese vehicles, the minister responded: That is exactly what we’re investigating at the present time.”
Wider Defence Context
The revelation comes as claims from Norway and Denmark have alerted the UK to the existence of dual-use shutdown mechanisms in Chinese-made buses, which could allow the Chinese government to switch off public transport and bring chaos to public transit.
Additionally, a Russia intelligence vessel has been shining laser beams at RAF pilots, described as a “highly dangerous” act by government representatives.
The wider defence environment underscores the importance of strong protocols and caution in all aspects of government activities, including transport use to communication practices.
