Government Official Confirms MoD Examining Security Risk from Chinese Cars, as Personnel Instructed to Refrain from Confidential Discussions in Vehicles.
A defence minister has stated that the MoD is actively examining the possible security risks posed by Chinese-made vehicles, and personnel have been advised to refrain from talking about secret information in any vehicles.
Safety Advice for MoD Personnel
During a recent interview on LBC, a defence minister addressed claims that MoD officials have been instructed not to talk about classified information while riding in China-made vehicles.
He explained that the MoD is “examining” Chinese vehicles within its fleets, however noted that security is a issue in every modern vehicles.
Our department has a fleet of thousands of cars in the Ministry of Defence and Chinese ones account for a tiny fraction.
However whether you’re traveling in a vehicle from China or a non-Chinese car, what we’ve asked our staff is to avoid connecting Ministry of Defence devices into their car, not to have conversations at a classified classification in any kind of vehicle, due to the growing risks of eavesdropping that are present in every single automobile, to only have those secret talks in secure locations. This is a prudent and reasonable thing for everyone concerned about safety.
When it was put to him that it would be prudent for the ministry to cease using every Chinese vehicles, the minister replied: That is exactly what we’re investigating at the moment.”
Wider Security Context
The announcement comes as claims from Scandinavian countries have warned the United Kingdom to the presence of multi-purpose shutdown mechanisms in Chinese-made buses, which could allow China to disable public transport and cause disruption to public transit.
Additionally, a Russian intelligence vessel was reportedly shining lasers at RAF pilots, labeled a “extremely risky” act by defence officials.
The broader defence situation highlights the significance of strong protocols and caution in every areas of official operations, including vehicle usage to discussions habits.
