An defense official has revealed that the Ministry of Defence is currently looking into the possible security risks associated with Chinese-made cars, while staff have been told to refrain from discussing classified matters in all cars.
Security Guidance for MoD Staff
During a recently aired appearance on a radio station, a defence minister addressed reports that Ministry of Defence officials have been instructed not to talk about classified information while travelling in Chinese cars.
The minister explained that the MoD is “examining” Chinese vehicles within its fleets, but emphasised that security is a issue in every modern vehicles.
Our department has a collection of tens of thousands of vehicles in the Ministry of Defence and those vehicles account for a tiny fraction.
However regardless of if you’re traveling in a vehicle from China or a car from another country, what we’ve asked our staff is not to plug Ministry of Defence technology into their car, not to have conversations at a classified classification in any kind of vehicle, because of the increasing risks of eavesdropping that exist in all vehicle, to only have those confidential conversations in secure locations. This is a wise and sensible thing for anyone worried about safety.
When it was suggested that it would be prudent for the ministry to stop using every Chinese vehicles, the minister responded: That is precisely what we’re investigating at the moment.”
Broader Defence Context
This announcement follows reports from Scandinavian countries have warned the United Kingdom to the presence of dual-use kill switches in Chinese electric buses, which could allow China to disable public transport and bring chaos to transport systems.
Furthermore, a Russia intelligence vessel was reportedly directing lasers at RAF pilots, labeled a “extremely risky” action by defence officials.
The wider security situation highlights the importance of strong measures and vigilance in all aspects of government activities, including vehicle use to communication habits.
