Minister States MoD Investigating Potential Threat from Vehicles from China, with Staff Instructed to Refrain from Confidential Discussions in Cars.
An defence minister has confirmed that the MoD is actively looking into the possible security risks posed by Chinese vehicles, and staff have been advised to refrain from talking about secret information in any vehicles.
Safety Guidance for Defence Staff
In a recently aired appearance on a radio station, a defence minister commented on reports that MoD officials have been instructed not to talk about secret material while travelling in China-made cars.
The minister explained that the ministry is “examining” Chinese vehicles within its vehicle pools, but noted that security is a issue in all modern vehicles.
We have a fleet of thousands of cars in the Ministry of Defence and those vehicles account for a tiny fraction.
But whether you’re traveling in a vehicle from China or a car from another country, what we’ve asked our staff is not to plug MoD technology into their vehicle, to avoid having discussions at a secret classification in any vehicle, due to the increasing risks of surveillance that are present in every single vehicle, to restrict those secret conversations in secure locations. That’s a prudent and sensible thing for everyone worried about security.
After it was put to him that it would be wise for the MoD to cease using all Chinese vehicles, the minister replied: ‘That’s precisely what we’re investigating at the present time.”
Broader Defence Context
This announcement comes as reports from Scandinavian countries have warned the UK to the existence of dual-use shutdown mechanisms in Chinese-made electric buses, which could allow China to switch off buses and bring disruption to transport systems.
Additionally, a Russian intelligence vessel has been directing lasers at Royal Air Force pilots, labeled a “extremely risky” action by defence officials.
The broader security situation underscores the significance of robust protocols and vigilance in all areas of government activities, from transport usage to communication practices.