An defense minister has stated that the MoD is actively investigating the potential threats posed by Chinese-made vehicles, while staff have been advised to refrain from discussing classified information in any vehicles.
Security Advice for MoD Personnel
During a recently aired interview on LBC, a defence minister commented on claims that Ministry of Defence officials have been instructed not to talk about classified material while travelling in Chinese cars.
He stated that the ministry is “investigating” Chinese vehicles within its vehicle pools, however stressed that safety is a issue in all contemporary vehicles.
We have a fleet of tens of thousands of cars in the MoD and Chinese ones account for a tiny fraction.
However whether you’re traveling in a Chinese car or a car from another country, what we’ve asked our people is to avoid connecting Ministry of Defence technology into their car, to avoid having discussions at a secret classification in any car, because of the increasing risks of eavesdropping that exist in all automobile, to restrict those secret conversations in secure locations. That’s a wise and reasonable thing for everyone concerned about safety.
When it was suggested that it would be prudent for the ministry to stop using every Chinese vehicles, the minister responded: That is precisely what we’re investigating at the present time.”
Broader Defence Background
The announcement follows reports from Norway and Denmark have alerted the UK to the existence of multi-purpose shutdown mechanisms in Chinese-made buses, which could allow the Chinese government to switch off buses and bring chaos to public transit.
Furthermore, a Russian spy ship has been directing lasers at Royal Air Force pilots, described as a “highly dangerous” act by government representatives.
This wider security situation highlights the significance of strong measures and vigilance in every areas of government activities, from vehicle use to discussions practices.
