A defence minister has revealed that the MoD is currently examining the possible threats associated with Chinese-made cars, and personnel have been advised to avoid talking about classified information in all cars.
Security Advice for Defence Staff
In a recently aired interview on a radio station, a defence minister commented on reports that MoD staff have been told not to discuss classified material while riding in Chinese cars.
He explained that the ministry is “looking into” cars from China within its fleets, however emphasised that safety is a issue in every modern vehicles.
We have a fleet of thousands of cars in the Ministry of Defence and Chinese ones represent a very small number.
But whether you’re driving a Chinese car or a non-Chinese car, our instruction to our people is not to plug Ministry of Defence technology into their car, to avoid having conversations at a secret classification in any car, because of the growing threats of surveillance that are present in every single vehicle, to restrict those confidential talks in protected areas. That’s a prudent and reasonable thing for everyone worried about security.
When it was put to him that it would be wise for the ministry to stop using every Chinese vehicles, the minister replied: That is precisely what we are looking into at the present time.”
Wider Defence Context
This revelation comes as claims from Norway and Denmark have warned the UK to the presence of multi-purpose shutdown mechanisms in Chinese buses, which could allow the Chinese government to switch off buses and cause disruption to transport systems.
Additionally, a Russian intelligence vessel was reportedly directing lasers at RAF aircrew, described as a “extremely risky” act by government representatives.
This broader security environment highlights the significance of robust protocols and vigilance in all aspects of official activities, from vehicle usage to discussions practices.
