Minister States MoD Examining Potential Threat from Chinese Cars, as Staff Advised to Avoid Confidential Discussions in Cars.
A defence minister has revealed that the MoD is currently investigating the possible security risks associated with Chinese cars, and personnel have been told to refrain from talking about classified matters in any vehicles.
Security Guidance for Defence Personnel
During a recent appearance on LBC, a defence minister addressed claims that Ministry of Defence officials have been instructed not to talk about classified information while travelling in Chinese vehicles.
The minister stated that the MoD is “investigating” cars from China within its fleets, however emphasised that security is a concern in all contemporary cars.
Our department has a fleet of thousands of vehicles in the MoD and Chinese ones account for a very small number.
But regardless of if 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 vehicle, not to have discussions at a secret level in any kind of car, because of the increasing threats of eavesdropping that are present in every single vehicle, to only have those confidential conversations in protected areas. That’s a prudent and reasonable thing for everyone concerned about safety.
After it was put to him that it would be prudent for the MoD to stop using all cars from China, the minister replied: ‘That’s exactly what we’re investigating at the present time.”
Wider Security Context
The revelation follows reports from Norway and Denmark have alerted the United Kingdom to the presence of multi-purpose shutdown mechanisms in Chinese electric buses, which could enable China to switch off buses and bring disruption to public transit.
Furthermore, a Russian intelligence vessel was reportedly shining lasers at Royal Air Force aircrew, labeled a “highly dangerous” act by defence officials.
The broader defence situation underscores the significance of robust measures and vigilance in every aspects of official activities, from vehicle use to communication practices.
