A defense official has stated that the MoD is currently investigating the possible security risks posed by Chinese vehicles, and staff have been advised to avoid discussing classified matters in any cars.
Security Guidance for MoD Staff
During a recently aired interview on LBC, a defence minister addressed claims that Ministry of Defence officials have been instructed not to discuss classified material while riding in China-made vehicles.
He stated that the ministry is “looking into” Chinese vehicles within its vehicle pools, however noted that safety is a issue in all modern vehicles.
We have a fleet of thousands of vehicles in the MoD and those vehicles account for a tiny fraction.
But whether you’re traveling in a Chinese car or a car from another country, our instruction to our people is not to plug MoD technology into their vehicle, to avoid having conversations at a classified level in any vehicle, because of the increasing risks of eavesdropping that are present in all vehicle, to only have those secret talks in secure locations. This is a prudent and sensible thing for anyone worried about security.
After it was put to him that it would be wise for the ministry to cease using all cars from China, the minister responded: That is exactly what we are looking into at the present time.”
Wider Defence Background
This revelation follows claims from Scandinavian countries have warned the UK to the existence of multi-purpose shutdown mechanisms in Chinese electric buses, which could enable China to switch off public transport and cause chaos to public transit.
Additionally, a Russia spy ship has been directing lasers at Royal Air Force pilots, labeled a “highly dangerous” action by government representatives.
The broader security environment highlights the importance of robust measures and vigilance in all areas of official activities, including vehicle use to discussions practices.
