Government Official Says MoD Investigating Security Risk from Chinese Cars, with Personnel Told to Avoid Confidential Discussions in Cars.
An defense minister has stated that the MoD is currently looking into the potential threats associated with Chinese vehicles, while personnel have been instructed to avoid discussing secret information in all cars.
Security Advice for MoD Staff
During a recent appearance on LBC, a defence minister addressed reports that Ministry of Defence officials have been instructed not to discuss classified information while riding in China-made cars.
He stated that the MoD is “examining” Chinese vehicles within its fleets, however stressed that safety is a concern in all modern vehicles.
We have a fleet of thousands of vehicles in the MoD and Chinese ones account for a very small number.
However whether you’re traveling in a vehicle from China or a car from another country, our instruction to our people is to avoid connecting Ministry of Defence technology into their car, not to have conversations at a classified classification in any kind of vehicle, due to the increasing risks of eavesdropping that are present in all automobile, to restrict those confidential talks in secure locations. That’s a wise and reasonable thing for everyone worried about safety.
When it was put to him that it would be wise for the MoD to cease using every cars from China, the minister responded: That is precisely what we’re investigating at the present time.”
Wider Defence Background
The revelation follows reports from Scandinavian countries have warned the UK to the existence of multi-purpose shutdown mechanisms in Chinese electric buses, which could allow the Chinese government to disable public transport and cause chaos to public transit.
Additionally, a Russia intelligence vessel has been directing lasers at Royal Air Force aircrew, labeled a “highly dangerous” action by defence officials.
This broader defence situation highlights the importance of strong measures and vigilance in every aspects of government activities, including transport usage to communication practices.
