An defence minister has stated that the Ministry of Defence is actively examining the possible security risks posed by Chinese-made cars, and staff have been advised to refrain from talking about classified matters in any vehicles.
Security Advice for Defence Staff
In a recent interview on a radio station, a defence minister addressed claims that MoD officials have been told not to discuss secret material while riding in Chinese vehicles.
The minister explained that the ministry is “looking into” cars from China within its fleets, but noted that safety is a concern in all contemporary cars.
We have a fleet of thousands of cars in the MoD and Chinese ones represent a very small number.
However whether you’re traveling in a vehicle from China or a car from another country, what we’ve asked our people is not to plug MoD devices into their car, to avoid having conversations at a secret classification in any kind of car, due to the growing risks of eavesdropping that exist in every single automobile, to only have those confidential talks in protected areas. That’s a wise and reasonable thing for everyone worried about security.
When it was put to him that it would be wise for the MoD to cease using every cars from China, the minister responded: ‘That’s exactly what we’re investigating at the moment.”
Broader Defence Background
The revelation follows claims from Norway and Denmark have alerted the UK to the existence of multi-purpose shutdown mechanisms in Chinese electric buses, which could enable China to switch off public transport and cause chaos to public transit.
Furthermore, a Russia spy ship has been directing laser beams at Royal Air Force pilots, labeled a “highly dangerous” act by defence officials.
This broader defence environment highlights the significance of robust protocols and caution in all aspects of official activities, including transport usage to communication practices.
