An defence official has revealed that the MoD is currently looking into the potential security risks posed by Chinese-made vehicles, and personnel have been told to refrain from talking about classified information in any vehicles.
Security Guidance for Defence Personnel
During a recent interview on a radio station, a defence minister addressed reports that Ministry of Defence staff have been told not to talk about classified material while riding in Chinese cars.
The minister said that the ministry is “looking into” Chinese vehicles within its fleets, but noted that security is a issue in every contemporary vehicles.
Our department has a collection of tens of thousands of cars in the Ministry of Defence and those vehicles account for a very small number.
But whether you’re traveling in 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 conversations at a secret classification in any car, due to the growing threats of eavesdropping that are present in every single vehicle, to only have those confidential talks in secure locations. This is a wise and sensible thing for everyone concerned about security.
After it was put to him that it would be prudent for the MoD to stop using all cars from China, the minister replied: ‘That’s precisely what we’re investigating at the present time.”
Broader Defence Background
The announcement comes as claims from Scandinavian countries have alerted the UK to the presence of multi-purpose kill switches in Chinese-made electric buses, which could allow the Chinese government to switch off public transport and bring chaos to transport systems.
Furthermore, a Russian intelligence vessel has been directing lasers at RAF pilots, labeled a “extremely risky” act by defence officials.
This wider defence situation highlights the importance of robust protocols and vigilance in all areas of government activities, including transport use to discussions habits.
