A defense official has revealed that the MoD is currently looking into the potential threats associated with Chinese cars, and staff have been advised to refrain from discussing classified matters in all cars.
Security Guidance for MoD Staff
In a recent interview on a radio station, a defence minister addressed claims that Ministry of Defence officials have been told not to talk about secret material while riding in Chinese cars.
He stated that the MoD is “examining” Chinese vehicles within its vehicle pools, but stressed that safety is a issue in all modern cars.
Our department has a collection of thousands of vehicles in the Ministry of Defence and Chinese ones account for a very small number.
However whether you’re driving a Chinese car or a car from another country, what we’ve asked our staff is to avoid connecting MoD devices into their car, to avoid having discussions at a secret level in any kind of car, due to the growing risks of eavesdropping that are present in every single vehicle, to restrict those secret talks in protected areas. That’s a prudent and reasonable thing for everyone worried about safety.
After it was put to him that it would be wise for the ministry to cease using all Chinese vehicles, the minister responded: ‘That’s exactly what we’re investigating at the present time.”
Broader Defence Background
The revelation follows claims from Norway and Denmark have alerted the UK to the existence of dual-use kill switches in Chinese-made electric buses, which could enable China to disable public transport and bring disruption to public transit.
Additionally, a Russia intelligence vessel was reportedly directing laser beams at RAF pilots, labeled a “highly dangerous” act by government representatives.
The wider security situation highlights the importance of strong measures and vigilance in all aspects of official activities, including transport usage to communication practices.
