Minister Says MoD Investigating Potential Threat from Chinese Cars, with Personnel Instructed to Avoid Secret Talk in Vehicles.
An defense minister has revealed that the Ministry of Defence is currently investigating the possible security risks associated with Chinese-made vehicles, and staff have been told to avoid talking about secret information in any cars.
Safety Advice for MoD Staff
In a recent interview on LBC, a defence minister commented on claims that MoD officials have been told not to discuss classified information while riding in China-made vehicles.
He stated that the MoD is “looking into” Chinese vehicles within its fleets, however noted that security is a concern in every contemporary vehicles.
Our department has a fleet of tens of thousands of cars in the MoD and those vehicles account for a very small number.
But whether you’re traveling in a Chinese car or a non-Chinese car, what we’ve asked our staff is not to plug MoD devices into their car, to avoid having discussions at a secret level in any car, due to the increasing threats of surveillance that exist in all vehicle, to restrict those secret conversations in secure locations. This is a prudent and reasonable thing for everyone worried about security.
When it was put to him that it would be wise for the MoD to cease using all cars from China, the minister responded: ‘That’s precisely what we’re investigating at the present time.”
Wider Security Context
The announcement comes as claims from Norway and Denmark have alerted the United Kingdom to the existence of dual-use shutdown mechanisms in Chinese buses, which could allow China to disable buses and bring disruption to public transit.
Additionally, a Russia intelligence vessel has been directing lasers at RAF aircrew, labeled a “extremely risky” action by defence officials.
The broader security environment underscores the significance of strong protocols and vigilance in every areas of government activities, from transport usage to discussions habits.
