Minister Confirms Ministry of Defence Looking at Potential Threat from Chinese Cars, with Personnel Advised to Avoid Confidential Discussions in Vehicles.
A defence minister has confirmed that the Ministry of Defence is currently examining the possible security risks associated with Chinese vehicles, and personnel have been instructed to refrain from discussing classified matters in all vehicles.
Safety Guidance for MoD Staff
During a recently aired appearance on a radio station, a defence minister commented on reports that MoD staff have been instructed not to discuss classified information while riding in China-made vehicles.
He stated that the ministry is “investigating” cars from China within its fleets, however stressed that safety is a issue in all modern cars.
Our department has a fleet of thousands of vehicles in the MoD and Chinese ones represent a very small number.
However whether you’re traveling in a Chinese car or a non-Chinese car, our instruction to our people is to avoid connecting MoD technology into their vehicle, to avoid having conversations at a classified classification in any vehicle, because of the growing risks of eavesdropping that exist in every single vehicle, to only have those secret conversations in secure locations. This is a wise and sensible thing for anyone worried about security.
When it was put to him that it would be wise for the ministry to cease using all cars from China, the minister replied: That is precisely what we are looking into at the moment.”
Broader Defence Context
This revelation follows claims from Norway and Denmark have warned the United Kingdom to the presence of multi-purpose shutdown mechanisms in Chinese buses, which could enable the Chinese government to switch off public transport and cause disruption to public transit.
Additionally, a Russian spy ship has been directing laser beams at Royal Air Force aircrew, labeled a “extremely risky” act by government representatives.
This wider defence situation highlights the importance of strong measures and vigilance in all aspects of government operations, from transport usage to communication habits.
