An defence minister has revealed that the MoD is actively investigating the potential security risks associated with Chinese vehicles, while personnel have been told to avoid talking about classified information in all cars.
Security Advice for Defence Staff
In a recently aired appearance on LBC, a defence minister addressed reports that Ministry of Defence staff have been instructed not to discuss secret information while riding in China-made vehicles.
The minister explained that the MoD is “investigating” cars from China within its vehicle pools, but noted that safety is a concern in every modern cars.
We have a fleet of thousands of vehicles in the Ministry of Defence and those vehicles represent a very small number.
But regardless of if you’re traveling in a vehicle from China or a non-Chinese car, our instruction to our people is to avoid connecting Ministry of Defence devices into their car, to avoid having discussions at a classified level in any car, because of the growing threats of eavesdropping that exist in every single automobile, to only have those secret conversations in protected areas. This is a prudent and reasonable thing for anyone worried about security.
When it was suggested that it would be wise for the ministry to cease using every Chinese vehicles, the minister responded: That is exactly what we are looking into at the present time.”
Broader Defence Background
This revelation follows claims from Norway and Denmark have warned the UK to the presence of multi-purpose shutdown mechanisms in Chinese electric buses, which could allow the Chinese government to switch off buses and cause disruption to transport systems.
Additionally, a Russian spy ship was reportedly shining lasers at Royal Air Force aircrew, labeled a “extremely risky” act by government representatives.
This broader security environment highlights the importance of robust protocols and caution in every aspects of official activities, including vehicle use to communication habits.
