A defence official has stated that the Ministry of Defence is actively examining the potential security risks associated with Chinese-made vehicles, while personnel have been advised to refrain from discussing secret information in all vehicles.
Safety Guidance for Defence Personnel
During a recently aired interview on a radio station, a defence minister commented on reports that Ministry of Defence staff have been told not to discuss classified material while travelling in Chinese vehicles.
He stated that the ministry is “looking into” cars from China within its fleets, however emphasised that security is a issue in all contemporary cars.
We have a collection of thousands of cars in the MoD and those vehicles represent 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 vehicle, to avoid having discussions at a classified classification in any car, because of the increasing risks of surveillance that are present in every single automobile, to only have those secret conversations in protected areas. This is a prudent and sensible thing for everyone worried about security.
When it was put to him that it would be wise for the ministry to cease using every Chinese vehicles, the minister responded: That is precisely what we’re investigating at the present time.”
Wider Defence Background
This announcement follows claims from Scandinavian countries have warned the United Kingdom to the existence of multi-purpose kill switches in Chinese electric buses, which could enable the Chinese government to switch off public transport and bring disruption to public transit.
Additionally, a Russia intelligence vessel has been directing laser beams at Royal Air Force aircrew, described as a “highly dangerous” act by government representatives.
The broader security environment underscores the importance of strong measures and vigilance in every aspects of government operations, including vehicle usage to communication habits.
