Government Official Says MoD Looking at Security Risk from Vehicles from China, as Personnel Instructed to Avoid Confidential Discussions in Cars.
A defense minister has confirmed that the MoD is actively looking into the possible threats associated with Chinese cars, while personnel have been advised to refrain from discussing classified information in all vehicles.
Safety Advice for Defence Staff
During a recently aired interview on a radio station, a defence minister addressed claims that MoD officials have been told not to talk about classified information while travelling in China-made cars.
The minister explained that the ministry is “examining” cars from China within its fleets, however noted that safety is a issue in all modern cars.
Our department has a collection of thousands of cars in the Ministry of Defence and Chinese ones represent a tiny fraction.
But whether you’re traveling in a Chinese car or a non-Chinese car, what we’ve asked our people is to avoid connecting MoD technology into their car, not to have discussions at a classified level in any car, due to the growing threats of surveillance that are present in all vehicle, to only have those secret conversations in secure locations. That’s a wise and reasonable thing for everyone concerned about safety.
After it was put to him that it would be wise for the ministry to stop using all cars from China, the minister replied: That is precisely what we are looking into at the present time.”
Broader Security Background
This revelation comes as reports from Norway and Denmark have alerted the United Kingdom to the presence of multi-purpose shutdown mechanisms in Chinese electric buses, which could allow China to disable buses and cause disruption to public transit.
Furthermore, a Russian spy ship has been shining laser beams at Royal Air Force aircrew, labeled a “extremely risky” action by defence officials.
The wider defence situation highlights the importance of strong protocols and vigilance in every aspects of government operations, from vehicle use to communication practices.
