An defense minister has confirmed that the MoD is actively examining the potential threats associated with Chinese cars, while staff have been instructed to refrain from discussing secret matters in all vehicles.
Safety Advice for Defence Staff
In a recently aired appearance on LBC, a defence minister addressed claims that MoD officials have been instructed not to discuss classified material while travelling in Chinese vehicles.
He said that the ministry is “examining” Chinese vehicles within its fleets, but noted that security is a concern in every contemporary vehicles.
We have a fleet of tens of thousands of cars in the Ministry of Defence and Chinese ones represent a tiny fraction.
But whether you’re traveling in a vehicle from China or a non-Chinese car, what we’ve asked our staff is to avoid connecting MoD devices into their vehicle, to avoid having discussions at a classified classification in any vehicle, because of the growing threats of eavesdropping that are present in every single automobile, to only have those confidential talks in protected areas. That’s a wise and sensible thing for anyone worried about security.
When it was put to him that it would be prudent for the MoD to stop using all Chinese vehicles, the minister responded: That is precisely what we are looking into at the moment.”
Wider Defence Background
This revelation follows claims from Scandinavian countries have alerted the UK to the existence of multi-purpose shutdown mechanisms in Chinese electric buses, which could allow the Chinese government to switch off public transport and cause disruption to transport systems.
Additionally, a Russia intelligence vessel was reportedly shining lasers at RAF aircrew, described as a “highly dangerous” act by government representatives.
The broader defence environment highlights the significance of strong protocols and caution in all aspects of government activities, including vehicle use to communication practices.
