An defence minister has revealed that the MoD is currently investigating the possible threats associated with Chinese vehicles, while personnel have been told to refrain from discussing secret matters in any cars.
Security Guidance for MoD Personnel
During a recently aired interview on LBC, a defence minister addressed reports that MoD staff have been told not to discuss classified material while riding in Chinese cars.
He said that the ministry is “examining” Chinese vehicles within its fleets, however stressed that safety is a concern in all contemporary cars.
Our department has a collection of thousands of cars in the MoD and Chinese ones represent a very small number.
However regardless of if you’re traveling in a Chinese car or a car from another country, what we’ve asked our staff is not to plug MoD technology into their car, not to have discussions at a secret level in any kind of car, because of the growing threats of surveillance that exist in every single vehicle, to only have those confidential talks in protected areas. That’s a wise and sensible thing for everyone concerned about safety.
When it was put to him that it would be wise for the MoD to cease using every cars from China, the minister responded: ‘That’s exactly what we’re investigating at the moment.”
Wider Security Background
This revelation follows reports from Norway and Denmark 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 disruption to transport systems.
Additionally, a Russia spy ship was reportedly shining lasers at RAF aircrew, labeled a “extremely risky” action by government representatives.
The wider defence environment underscores the importance of strong measures and caution in all aspects of official activities, including transport use to discussions habits.
