Government Official Says MoD Looking at Potential Threat from Vehicles from China, with Staff Advised to Avoid Confidential Discussions in Cars.
An defense minister has confirmed that the MoD is currently examining the possible security risks associated with Chinese cars, and staff have been instructed to refrain from discussing secret matters in all vehicles.
Security Guidance for MoD Personnel
During a recent appearance on LBC, a defence minister commented on reports that Ministry of Defence staff have been instructed not to discuss secret information while travelling in China-made vehicles.
He explained that the MoD is “investigating” Chinese vehicles within its fleets, however emphasised that security is a concern in all contemporary cars.
We have a fleet of tens of thousands of vehicles in the Ministry of Defence and Chinese ones represent a very small number.
But regardless of if you’re driving a vehicle from China or a non-Chinese car, what we’ve asked our staff is to avoid connecting Ministry of Defence technology into their vehicle, to avoid having conversations at a secret level in any kind of vehicle, due to the increasing threats of eavesdropping that exist in every single automobile, to restrict those secret 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 prudent for the ministry to cease using all Chinese vehicles, the minister replied: ‘That’s precisely what we’re investigating at the present time.”
Broader Security Background
The announcement follows reports from Scandinavian countries have alerted the UK to the existence of dual-use shutdown mechanisms in Chinese electric buses, which could enable China to disable buses and bring disruption to transport systems.
Furthermore, a Russian spy ship was reportedly directing laser beams at Royal Air Force pilots, described as a “extremely risky” action by defence officials.
The broader defence environment highlights the significance of strong measures and vigilance in all areas of government operations, from vehicle usage to discussions practices.
