An defense official has stated that the MoD is currently investigating the possible security risks associated with Chinese-made cars, while staff have been told to refrain from discussing secret matters in any vehicles.
Security Advice for Defence Staff
In a recently aired appearance on LBC, a defence minister addressed reports that Ministry of Defence staff have been told not to talk about secret information while riding in China-made vehicles.
He stated that the ministry is “looking into” Chinese vehicles within its vehicle pools, but stressed that safety is a concern in all contemporary vehicles.
Our department has a collection of tens of thousands of vehicles in the Ministry of Defence and those vehicles account for a tiny fraction.
But whether you’re driving a vehicle from China or a car from another country, our instruction to our people is to avoid connecting Ministry of Defence devices into their car, to avoid having conversations at a secret level in any vehicle, due to the increasing risks of eavesdropping that are present in all vehicle, to only have those secret talks in protected areas. This is a wise and reasonable thing for everyone concerned about safety.
After it was put to him that it would be wise for the MoD to stop using every cars from China, the minister replied: That is exactly what we’re investigating at the present time.”
Wider Security Background
The revelation follows reports from Scandinavian countries have warned the UK to the existence of multi-purpose shutdown mechanisms in Chinese-made electric buses, which could allow the Chinese government to disable public transport and bring disruption to transport systems.
Furthermore, a Russia intelligence vessel was reportedly shining lasers at RAF aircrew, described as a “extremely risky” action by defence officials.
The broader security environment highlights the importance of robust measures and caution in all aspects of government activities, including transport usage to discussions practices.
