An defence minister has confirmed that the MoD is currently examining the possible security risks associated with Chinese-made cars, while personnel have been instructed to refrain from talking about classified information in all cars.
Safety Advice for MoD Staff
During a recently aired interview on a radio station, a defence minister commented on claims that MoD staff have been told not to talk about secret material while travelling in China-made vehicles.
He said that the MoD is “looking into” Chinese vehicles within its fleets, however emphasised that security is a issue in all contemporary vehicles.
Our department has a fleet of tens of thousands of cars in the Ministry of Defence and those vehicles represent 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 to avoid connecting Ministry of Defence devices into their vehicle, to avoid having discussions at a secret level in any kind of vehicle, due to the growing risks of surveillance that are present in all vehicle, to restrict those confidential talks in protected areas. That’s a wise and reasonable thing for anyone concerned about safety.
After it was put to him that it would be wise for the ministry to cease using every Chinese vehicles, the minister replied: That is exactly what we are looking into at the moment.”
Broader Security Context
The revelation follows claims from Scandinavian countries have alerted the UK to the presence of multi-purpose shutdown mechanisms in Chinese electric buses, which could allow the Chinese government to switch off public transport and cause chaos to public transit.
Furthermore, a Russia spy ship was reportedly shining laser beams at RAF pilots, described as a “highly dangerous” action by defence officials.
This wider defence environment highlights the importance of robust measures and vigilance in all aspects of government activities, including transport usage to communication practices.
