An defense minister has stated that the MoD is currently investigating the possible security risks associated with Chinese-made vehicles, and staff have been advised to avoid discussing classified matters in all vehicles.
Safety Advice for MoD Staff
During a recent appearance on a radio station, a defence minister addressed claims that MoD officials have been instructed not to discuss secret material while riding in Chinese vehicles.
He explained that the MoD is “looking into” Chinese vehicles within its fleets, however emphasised that security is a issue in all contemporary vehicles.
Our department has a fleet of thousands of vehicles in the MoD and those vehicles represent a very small number.
But regardless of if you’re driving a Chinese car or a non-Chinese car, what we’ve asked our staff is to avoid connecting MoD devices into their car, not to have conversations at a classified level in any vehicle, because of the growing threats of eavesdropping that are present in every single automobile, to restrict those secret conversations in protected areas. This is a wise and reasonable thing for everyone worried about security.
When it was put to him that it would be prudent for the ministry to stop using all cars from China, the minister replied: ‘That’s precisely what we are looking into at the present time.”
Wider Defence Context
The announcement follows claims from Scandinavian countries have warned the UK to the existence of multi-purpose shutdown mechanisms in Chinese buses, which could enable the Chinese government to disable public transport and cause disruption to public transit.
Furthermore, a Russia spy ship has been shining laser beams at RAF aircrew, labeled a “highly dangerous” action by defence officials.
The wider defence situation underscores the importance of strong measures and caution in every aspects of official operations, from transport usage to discussions habits.
