An defence official has confirmed that the Ministry of Defence is actively examining the potential security risks associated with Chinese-made cars, and staff have been advised to avoid talking about classified matters in all vehicles.
Security Guidance for MoD Personnel
During a recent appearance on a radio station, a defence minister commented on claims that Ministry of Defence officials have been told not to talk about classified information while riding in China-made vehicles.
He said that the ministry is “investigating” Chinese vehicles within its vehicle pools, but noted that safety is a concern in every modern cars.
We have a fleet of tens of thousands of cars in the Ministry of Defence and those vehicles account for a very small number.
But whether you’re driving a Chinese car or a non-Chinese car, our instruction to our people is to avoid connecting Ministry of Defence devices into their car, to avoid having discussions at a secret classification in any kind of car, because of the growing threats of surveillance that exist in all automobile, to restrict those secret talks in secure locations. This is a prudent and reasonable thing for everyone worried about security.
When it was suggested that it would be prudent for the ministry to stop using every Chinese vehicles, the minister responded: That is exactly what we’re investigating at the moment.”
Wider Defence Context
The announcement comes as reports from Scandinavian countries have warned the United Kingdom to the presence of dual-use shutdown mechanisms in Chinese buses, which could enable China to switch off public transport and bring chaos to transport systems.
Additionally, a Russia intelligence vessel has been directing laser beams at Royal Air Force pilots, labeled a “extremely risky” action by defence officials.
The broader defence environment highlights the significance of robust protocols and caution in every aspects of government activities, including transport usage to communication practices.
