A defence minister has stated that the MoD is currently looking into the potential security risks posed by Chinese-made cars, while personnel have been told to refrain from discussing secret information in all cars.
Security Guidance for Defence Staff
In a recent appearance on a radio station, a defence minister addressed reports that MoD staff have been instructed not to talk about classified information while riding in Chinese cars.
He said that the ministry is “investigating” cars from China within its fleets, but stressed that security is a concern in all contemporary vehicles.
Our department has a fleet of thousands of vehicles in the Ministry of Defence and those vehicles account for a very small number.
However 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 vehicle, not to have discussions at a secret classification in any car, because of the increasing risks of surveillance that exist in every single vehicle, to restrict those confidential conversations in secure locations. That’s a wise and sensible thing for everyone concerned about security.
When it was put to him that it would be wise for the MoD to stop using all cars from China, the minister replied: That is exactly what we’re investigating at the present time.”
Wider Security Context
The announcement comes as claims from Scandinavian countries have alerted the UK to the existence of dual-use shutdown mechanisms in Chinese electric buses, which could enable the Chinese government to disable public transport and cause disruption to transport systems.
Furthermore, a Russian intelligence vessel was reportedly directing laser beams at RAF pilots, labeled a “highly dangerous” action by defence officials.
This wider defence environment underscores the significance of strong measures and caution in all areas of official activities, from vehicle usage to discussions practices.
