A defence minister has stated that the MoD is actively investigating the possible security risks posed by Chinese vehicles, while staff have been told to avoid talking about classified matters in any cars.
Security Guidance for Defence Personnel
During a recently aired interview on a radio station, a defence minister addressed reports that Ministry of Defence staff have been told not to discuss classified information while travelling in China-made vehicles.
The minister stated that the ministry is “examining” Chinese vehicles within its vehicle pools, but noted that safety is a concern in all contemporary cars.
Our department has a fleet of tens of thousands of cars in the Ministry of Defence and Chinese ones account for a very small number.
But regardless of if you’re driving a vehicle from China or a car from another country, what we’ve asked our people is to avoid connecting Ministry of Defence devices into their vehicle, not to have discussions at a classified level in any kind of vehicle, due to the increasing threats of surveillance that exist in every single vehicle, to restrict those confidential conversations in protected areas. That’s a wise and sensible thing for anyone worried about security.
When it was put to him that it would be prudent for the ministry to cease using every Chinese vehicles, the minister responded: ‘That’s exactly what we are looking into at the moment.”
Broader Defence Context
The revelation comes as claims from Scandinavian countries have warned the UK to the existence of multi-purpose shutdown mechanisms in Chinese buses, which could enable China to switch off buses and cause chaos to transport systems.
Furthermore, a Russia intelligence vessel was reportedly shining lasers at Royal Air Force pilots, labeled a “highly dangerous” action by government representatives.
This wider defence situation highlights the significance of strong measures and caution in all aspects of government operations, including transport use to communication practices.
