A defence official has stated that the MoD is currently examining the possible threats associated with Chinese cars, while staff have been told to avoid talking about secret information in any cars.
Security Advice for Defence Staff
During a recently aired interview on a radio station, a defence minister commented on claims that MoD staff have been told not to discuss classified material while travelling in China-made cars.
The minister stated that the MoD is “investigating” cars from China within its vehicle pools, however emphasised that safety is a issue in all contemporary vehicles.
We have a fleet of tens of thousands of vehicles in the MoD and those vehicles 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 staff is to avoid connecting MoD technology into their car, to avoid having discussions at a secret classification in any kind of vehicle, because of the growing threats of surveillance that are present in every single vehicle, to only have those confidential talks in secure locations. That’s a prudent and reasonable thing for anyone worried about safety.
When it was suggested that it would be prudent for the MoD to cease using every cars from China, the minister responded: ‘That’s precisely what we’re investigating at the present time.”
Broader Security Background
This revelation comes as reports from Scandinavian countries have alerted the UK to the existence of multi-purpose shutdown mechanisms in Chinese-made electric buses, which could enable the Chinese government to switch off public transport and cause disruption to public transit.
Furthermore, a Russian spy ship has been shining lasers at RAF pilots, labeled a “extremely risky” action by defence officials.
This wider security environment highlights the importance of strong protocols and vigilance in every areas of official operations, from vehicle usage to communication practices.
