An defence minister has revealed that the Ministry of Defence is actively examining the potential security risks associated with Chinese cars, while personnel have been instructed to avoid discussing classified information in all vehicles.
Safety Guidance for Defence Personnel
During a recent appearance on a radio station, a defence minister addressed reports that Ministry of Defence staff have been told not to discuss classified information while riding in Chinese cars.
The minister explained that the ministry is “examining” Chinese vehicles within its fleets, but noted that security is a concern in all contemporary vehicles.
We have a collection 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 MoD technology into their car, not to have discussions at a secret classification in any kind of vehicle, due to the increasing risks of eavesdropping that exist in all vehicle, to only have those secret conversations in secure locations. This is a prudent and sensible thing for everyone worried about safety.
When it was suggested that it would be wise for the ministry to cease using every cars from China, the minister replied: ‘That’s exactly what we are looking into at the moment.”
Wider Defence Context
The announcement follows claims from Norway and Denmark have warned the UK to the presence of multi-purpose shutdown mechanisms in Chinese buses, which could allow China to switch off public transport and bring chaos to transport systems.
Additionally, a Russian spy ship has been shining lasers at RAF pilots, labeled a “highly dangerous” act by defence officials.
The wider security situation highlights the significance of robust measures and vigilance in every areas of official activities, including vehicle use to communication habits.
