An defense minister has stated that the MoD is currently investigating the possible threats associated with Chinese cars, while staff have been instructed to refrain from talking about classified matters in all cars.
Safety Guidance for MoD Staff
In a recent interview on LBC, a defence minister commented on reports that MoD officials have been told not to discuss secret information while riding in China-made cars.
He explained that the MoD is “investigating” Chinese vehicles within its vehicle pools, however stressed that security is a issue in every modern vehicles.
Our department has a fleet of thousands of vehicles in the Ministry of Defence and those vehicles represent a tiny fraction.
However whether you’re driving a vehicle from China or a non-Chinese car, what we’ve asked our people is to avoid connecting MoD technology into their vehicle, not to have conversations at a secret level in any kind of car, because of the increasing threats of surveillance that exist in every single automobile, to only have those confidential conversations in protected areas. That’s a wise and reasonable thing for anyone concerned about safety.
When it was suggested that it would be prudent for the ministry to cease using all Chinese vehicles, the minister replied: ‘That’s precisely what we’re investigating at the present time.”
Wider Security Context
The announcement comes as claims from Scandinavian countries have alerted the United Kingdom to the existence of dual-use shutdown mechanisms in Chinese-made buses, which could enable China to switch off public transport and cause disruption to transport systems.
Furthermore, a Russia intelligence vessel has been shining laser beams at RAF pilots, described as a “highly dangerous” act by government representatives.
The broader security environment highlights the importance of strong protocols and vigilance in all areas of official operations, from transport usage to discussions habits.
