An defence official has confirmed that the MoD is actively investigating the potential security risks associated with Chinese vehicles, and staff have been advised to refrain from discussing classified matters in all cars.
Security Advice for MoD Personnel
In a recently aired appearance on a radio station, a defence minister addressed claims that MoD staff have been instructed not to talk about classified material while travelling in Chinese cars.
The minister said that the MoD is “examining” Chinese vehicles within its fleets, however emphasised that security is a issue 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 vehicle from China or a non-Chinese car, what we’ve asked our staff is to avoid connecting MoD devices into their car, not to have conversations at a classified level in any car, because of the increasing risks of surveillance that are present in every single vehicle, to restrict those secret conversations in protected areas. That’s a wise and sensible thing for everyone concerned about safety.
When it was suggested that it would be prudent for the MoD to stop using every cars from China, the minister responded: That is precisely what we are looking into at the present time.”
Broader Security Background
The revelation comes as reports from Scandinavian countries have alerted the United Kingdom to the existence of multi-purpose kill switches in Chinese buses, which could enable China to switch off buses and bring disruption to transport systems.
Additionally, a Russian spy ship has been directing lasers at Royal Air Force aircrew, described as a “highly dangerous” action by government representatives.
The wider security situation highlights the significance of strong measures and caution in all aspects of government activities, including vehicle usage to discussions habits.
