An defence minister has confirmed that the Ministry of Defence is actively investigating the possible threats posed by Chinese-made vehicles, and staff have been told to avoid discussing secret information in any cars.
Security Guidance for MoD Staff
In a recently aired interview on LBC, a defence minister commented on claims that MoD staff have been told not to talk about classified information while travelling in China-made cars.
The minister explained that the MoD is “investigating” cars from China within its vehicle pools, but stressed that safety is a concern in all modern vehicles.
Our department has a fleet of thousands of vehicles in the MoD and Chinese ones account for a tiny fraction.
But whether you’re traveling in a vehicle from China or a non-Chinese car, what we’ve asked our people is to avoid connecting Ministry of Defence devices into their vehicle, to avoid having discussions at a classified classification in any kind of vehicle, due to the increasing risks of surveillance that are present in every single vehicle, to restrict those secret talks in protected areas. This is a wise and sensible thing for everyone worried about safety.
After it was put to him that it would be wise for the MoD to stop using all Chinese vehicles, the minister replied: ‘That’s precisely what we’re investigating at the present time.”
Wider Defence Background
This announcement follows claims from Scandinavian countries have warned the UK to the presence of multi-purpose kill switches in Chinese-made electric buses, which could allow China to disable public transport and cause disruption to transport systems.
Additionally, a Russia intelligence vessel has been shining lasers at RAF aircrew, labeled a “highly dangerous” action by government representatives.
This wider defence situation highlights the significance of robust measures and vigilance in all areas of government activities, from vehicle usage to communication practices.
