An defence official has revealed that the MoD is currently investigating the possible security risks associated with Chinese-made vehicles, while personnel have been instructed to avoid talking about secret information in any cars.
Security Advice for MoD Staff
In a recent appearance on a radio station, a defence minister addressed reports that Ministry of Defence officials have been instructed not to talk about classified information while riding in Chinese cars.
He said that the ministry is “investigating” Chinese vehicles within its fleets, but emphasised that safety is a issue in all modern cars.
We have a fleet of tens of thousands of vehicles in the MoD and those vehicles represent a tiny fraction.
But whether you’re traveling in a vehicle from China or a car from another country, our instruction to our staff is not to plug MoD technology into their car, to avoid having discussions at a classified classification in any car, due to the growing threats of eavesdropping that exist in all vehicle, to restrict those confidential conversations in secure locations. 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 every Chinese vehicles, the minister replied: ‘That’s precisely what we’re investigating at the moment.”
Wider Security Background
The revelation comes as reports from Scandinavian countries have warned the United Kingdom to the presence of dual-use shutdown mechanisms in Chinese-made electric buses, which could allow the Chinese government to disable public transport and bring disruption to public transit.
Furthermore, a Russia intelligence vessel was reportedly shining lasers at RAF aircrew, described as a “extremely risky” act by defence officials.
The wider security environment highlights the significance of strong protocols and vigilance in every aspects of government activities, including vehicle usage to communication habits.
