A defence 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 discussing classified matters in any vehicles.
Security Guidance for MoD Personnel
During a recently aired interview on a radio station, a defence minister commented on claims that Ministry of Defence staff have been told not to discuss secret material while travelling in China-made cars.
The minister stated that the MoD is “looking into” Chinese vehicles within its vehicle pools, however stressed that safety is a concern in all contemporary cars.
We have a fleet of tens of thousands of vehicles in the MoD and Chinese ones account for a tiny fraction.
But regardless of if you’re traveling in a Chinese car or a car from another country, our instruction to our staff is to avoid connecting MoD devices into their vehicle, not to have discussions at a classified classification in any kind of car, due to the increasing threats of eavesdropping that exist in every single vehicle, to restrict those confidential conversations in protected areas. This is a wise and sensible thing for anyone worried about security.
When it was suggested that it would be wise for the MoD to stop using every Chinese vehicles, the minister responded: ‘That’s precisely what we are looking into at the present time.”
Wider Defence Background
The revelation comes as claims from Norway and Denmark have warned the UK to the presence of multi-purpose shutdown mechanisms in Chinese-made electric buses, which could allow China to disable buses and bring disruption to transport systems.
Furthermore, a Russia spy ship has been shining lasers at RAF pilots, labeled a “extremely risky” act by defence officials.
The broader security situation highlights the importance of robust protocols and vigilance in every aspects of government operations, including vehicle use to communication practices.
