A defense official has revealed that the MoD is actively examining the potential threats posed by Chinese cars, and personnel have been told to avoid discussing secret matters in all cars.
Security Advice for Defence Staff
During a recently aired interview on a radio station, a defence minister addressed reports that MoD staff have been told not to discuss classified information while riding in Chinese vehicles.
He explained that the MoD is “looking into” cars from China within its fleets, however emphasised that safety is a concern in all contemporary cars.
We have a fleet of thousands of cars in the Ministry of Defence and those vehicles account for a tiny fraction.
But regardless of if you’re driving a vehicle from China or a non-Chinese car, our instruction to our staff is to avoid connecting Ministry of Defence technology into their car, to avoid having discussions at a classified classification in any car, due to the increasing risks of surveillance that are present in all automobile, to only have those secret talks in protected areas. That’s a wise and reasonable thing for everyone concerned about safety.
After it was put to him that it would be prudent for the ministry to cease using every Chinese vehicles, the minister replied: ‘That’s exactly what we are looking into at the present time.”
Broader Defence Background
This announcement comes as reports from Norway and Denmark have warned the United Kingdom to the presence of multi-purpose kill switches in Chinese-made electric buses, which could allow the Chinese government to switch off public transport and bring disruption to public transit.
Additionally, a Russia intelligence vessel has been shining laser beams at RAF pilots, described as a “highly dangerous” act by defence officials.
This wider security situation underscores the significance of strong measures and vigilance in every aspects of official activities, including transport usage to discussions habits.
