A defense minister has revealed that the MoD is currently examining the possible security risks posed by Chinese-made vehicles, while personnel have been told to refrain from discussing classified matters in any vehicles.
Security Guidance for Defence Personnel
In a recent interview on a radio station, a defence minister commented on claims that Ministry of Defence officials have been told not to talk about classified material while riding in Chinese cars.
The minister stated that the MoD is “examining” Chinese vehicles within its vehicle pools, but stressed that security is a concern in every modern cars.
We have a collection of tens of thousands of cars in the MoD and those vehicles account for a very small number.
However whether you’re traveling in a Chinese car or a non-Chinese car, our instruction to our staff is to avoid connecting Ministry of Defence devices into their vehicle, not to have conversations at a classified level in any car, because of the increasing threats of surveillance that exist in all automobile, to restrict those confidential talks in protected areas. That’s a wise and sensible thing for everyone worried about safety.
After it was put to him that it would be prudent for the MoD to cease using every Chinese vehicles, the minister responded: ‘That’s exactly what we’re investigating at the present time.”
Wider Security Context
The revelation follows reports from Scandinavian countries have warned the UK to the presence of multi-purpose kill switches in Chinese buses, which could allow China to switch off buses and bring disruption to transport systems.
Furthermore, a Russian intelligence vessel has been shining laser beams at RAF aircrew, described as a “extremely risky” act by defence officials.
This wider security situation underscores the importance of strong measures and caution in every areas of government activities, from transport use to discussions habits.
