A defense minister has confirmed that the MoD is currently examining the potential threats associated with Chinese-made vehicles, and personnel have been instructed to avoid discussing secret information in all cars.
Security Guidance for Defence Staff
In a recent appearance on a radio station, a defence minister addressed claims that MoD staff have been instructed not to discuss classified material while riding in Chinese vehicles.
He said that the ministry is “looking into” cars from China within its vehicle pools, however stressed that safety is a issue in all contemporary vehicles.
Our department has a fleet of tens of thousands of cars in the MoD and Chinese ones represent a very small number.
But whether you’re traveling in a Chinese car or a car from another country, what we’ve asked our people is to avoid connecting Ministry of Defence technology into their car, not to have conversations at a classified level in any vehicle, due to the growing threats of surveillance that exist in all automobile, to only have those secret conversations in protected areas. This is a wise and sensible thing for anyone concerned about safety.
After it was suggested that it would be prudent for the ministry to stop using all Chinese vehicles, the minister replied: That is precisely what we’re investigating at the moment.”
Wider Defence Background
This announcement comes as reports from Norway and Denmark have alerted the UK to the existence of dual-use kill switches in Chinese-made buses, which could allow China to disable buses and cause disruption to transport systems.
Additionally, a Russia intelligence vessel was reportedly directing laser beams at RAF pilots, labeled a “highly dangerous” action by government representatives.
The wider defence situation underscores the significance of robust measures and vigilance in every aspects of government operations, from vehicle usage to discussions practices.
