An defense official has stated that the MoD is actively looking into the possible security risks associated with Chinese vehicles, and personnel have been advised to avoid discussing classified information in any vehicles.
Security Guidance for MoD Personnel
During a recent interview on a radio station, a defence minister addressed claims that Ministry of Defence officials have been instructed not to talk about secret material while travelling in China-made vehicles.
The minister explained that the ministry is “investigating” cars from China within its vehicle pools, but emphasised that safety is a issue in all contemporary cars.
We have a fleet of thousands of cars in the Ministry of Defence and those vehicles account for a very small number.
However whether you’re traveling in a vehicle from China or a car from another country, our instruction to our staff is to avoid connecting MoD devices into their car, to avoid having conversations at a classified classification in any car, because of the increasing risks of surveillance that are present in every single vehicle, to restrict those secret conversations in secure locations. This is a wise and reasonable thing for anyone worried about security.
After it was suggested that it would be wise for the MoD to stop using all Chinese vehicles, the minister responded: ‘That’s exactly what we are looking into at the present time.”
Wider Security Context
This revelation comes as claims from Scandinavian countries have alerted the UK to the existence of multi-purpose kill switches in Chinese buses, which could allow China to disable buses and cause chaos to transport systems.
Additionally, a Russian intelligence vessel was reportedly directing laser beams at RAF aircrew, labeled a “extremely risky” act by government representatives.
The broader security environment underscores the importance of strong measures and vigilance in all aspects of official activities, from vehicle use to communication practices.
