An defence official has stated that the MoD is actively examining the possible threats associated with Chinese-made cars, while staff have been told to refrain from discussing classified information in any cars.
Security Guidance for Defence Staff
In a recently aired appearance on LBC, a defence minister commented on claims that Ministry of Defence staff have been told not to talk about secret material while riding in Chinese vehicles.
The minister stated that the MoD is “examining” Chinese vehicles within its fleets, but emphasised that safety is a issue in all contemporary vehicles.
We have a fleet of tens of thousands of cars in the Ministry of Defence and Chinese ones account for a tiny fraction.
However whether you’re traveling in a Chinese car or a car from another country, our instruction to our staff is not to plug Ministry of Defence devices into their car, to avoid having discussions at a secret classification in any kind of vehicle, due to the growing threats of eavesdropping that are present in all automobile, to restrict those confidential talks in protected areas. That’s a wise and sensible thing for anyone concerned about safety.
When it was suggested that it would be wise for the MoD to stop using every Chinese vehicles, the minister replied: That is precisely what we are looking into at the moment.”
Broader Defence Background
The revelation comes as reports from Scandinavian countries have warned the UK to the existence of multi-purpose kill switches in Chinese electric buses, which could allow the Chinese government to disable public transport and bring disruption to public transit.
Furthermore, a Russia intelligence vessel has been directing lasers at Royal Air Force pilots, described as a “highly dangerous” action by defence officials.
The broader security situation highlights the significance of strong measures and caution in every aspects of official operations, including transport use to discussions practices.
