An defense minister has revealed that the MoD is actively investigating the possible security risks posed by Chinese cars, and personnel have been advised to refrain from discussing classified matters in all cars.
Security Guidance for Defence Personnel
During a recently aired interview on a radio station, a defence minister addressed claims that MoD staff have been told not to talk about secret material while travelling in China-made cars.
The minister stated that the MoD is “examining” cars from China within its fleets, but stressed that safety is a issue in all contemporary vehicles.
Our department has a collection of tens of thousands of cars in the MoD and Chinese ones account for a very small number.
But whether you’re driving a vehicle from China or a car from another country, our instruction to our people is to avoid connecting Ministry of Defence devices into their vehicle, not to have discussions at a secret classification in any kind of vehicle, due to the growing threats of surveillance that are present in all automobile, to only have those confidential conversations in secure locations. This is a prudent and reasonable thing for anyone worried about safety.
After it was suggested that it would be prudent for the ministry to cease using every cars from China, the minister replied: ‘That’s exactly what we are looking into at the present time.”
Broader Defence Background
The announcement follows claims from Norway and Denmark have warned the United Kingdom to the existence of multi-purpose kill switches in Chinese electric buses, which could allow the Chinese government to disable buses and cause disruption to transport systems.
Additionally, a Russian intelligence vessel has been directing laser beams at Royal Air Force pilots, described as a “extremely risky” action by defence officials.
The wider security situation underscores the significance of robust measures and vigilance in all aspects of official activities, from transport usage to communication habits.
