An defense official has revealed that the MoD is currently looking into the possible security risks posed by Chinese-made vehicles, while personnel have been advised to refrain from talking about secret information in all cars.
Security Guidance for Defence Personnel
During a recent interview on LBC, a defence minister commented on reports that Ministry of Defence officials have been told not to discuss secret information while travelling in Chinese cars.
The minister explained that the MoD is “examining” cars from China within its fleets, but stressed 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 very small number.
But regardless of if you’re traveling in a Chinese car or a car from another country, what we’ve asked our people is not to plug MoD technology into their vehicle, to avoid having conversations at a classified classification in any vehicle, because of the increasing risks of eavesdropping that exist in every single vehicle, to only have those secret conversations in protected areas. That’s a prudent and sensible thing for everyone concerned about safety.
After it was put to him that it would be wise for the MoD to stop using every cars from China, the minister replied: That is exactly what we are looking into at the present time.”
Broader Security Background
The revelation follows claims from Scandinavian countries have warned the United Kingdom to the existence of multi-purpose kill switches in Chinese electric buses, which could enable China to switch off buses and bring chaos to transport systems.
Additionally, a Russia intelligence vessel has been shining laser beams at Royal Air Force pilots, described as a “highly dangerous” action by defence officials.
The wider defence environment underscores the importance of strong measures and vigilance in every aspects of government activities, from transport use to communication habits.
