An defence official has revealed that the MoD is currently examining the potential threats associated with Chinese cars, while personnel have been advised to refrain from discussing classified matters in any cars.
Security Guidance for MoD Personnel
In a recent interview on a radio station, a defence minister addressed reports that MoD officials have been instructed not to discuss classified information while riding in China-made vehicles.
He explained that the ministry is “investigating” cars from China within its fleets, however noted that safety is a concern in every contemporary vehicles.
We have a fleet of thousands of vehicles in the MoD and Chinese ones represent a tiny fraction.
But whether you’re traveling in a Chinese car or a non-Chinese car, our instruction to our staff is to avoid connecting MoD technology into their vehicle, to avoid having conversations at a classified level in any kind of vehicle, because of the increasing risks of eavesdropping that exist in every single automobile, to restrict those secret conversations in secure locations. This is a prudent and sensible thing for anyone worried about security.
After it was put to him that it would be prudent for the MoD to cease using all Chinese vehicles, the minister replied: ‘That’s precisely what we are looking into at the moment.”
Wider Defence Background
The announcement comes as claims from Norway and Denmark have warned the United Kingdom to the existence of multi-purpose kill switches in Chinese-made electric buses, which could enable China to disable buses and bring disruption to public transit.
Furthermore, a Russia intelligence vessel has been directing lasers at RAF pilots, labeled a “extremely risky” action by government representatives.
The broader defence situation underscores the significance of strong measures and vigilance in all aspects of official activities, from vehicle usage to discussions habits.
