An defense minister has revealed that the MoD is actively looking into the potential security risks associated with Chinese vehicles, and staff have been instructed to avoid discussing classified information in all vehicles.
Security Guidance for Defence Personnel
In a recently aired interview on LBC, a defence minister addressed reports that MoD officials have been told not to discuss classified material while riding in China-made vehicles.
He stated that the ministry is “investigating” Chinese vehicles within its vehicle pools, but noted that security is a concern in every modern cars.
We have a fleet of tens of thousands of vehicles in the MoD and those vehicles account for a tiny fraction.
But whether you’re driving a Chinese car or a car from another country, what we’ve asked our staff is to avoid connecting Ministry of Defence technology into their car, to avoid having conversations at a classified classification in any kind of vehicle, due to the growing threats of eavesdropping that exist in every single vehicle, to restrict those secret conversations in protected areas. That’s a prudent and reasonable thing for everyone concerned about security.
When it was put to him that it would be wise for the ministry to cease using all Chinese vehicles, the minister replied: That is precisely what we’re investigating at the moment.”
Broader Defence Background
The revelation follows reports from Norway and Denmark have alerted the UK to the existence of multi-purpose kill switches in Chinese-made electric buses, which could allow China to disable public transport and bring chaos to transport systems.
Additionally, a Russian spy ship has been directing lasers at RAF pilots, labeled a “highly dangerous” act by defence officials.
The broader security situation highlights the significance of strong measures and caution in every aspects of government activities, from transport usage to discussions habits.
