A defence minister has revealed that the MoD is actively looking into the possible security risks associated with Chinese-made cars, and staff have been advised to refrain from talking about secret matters in all vehicles.
Safety Advice for MoD Staff
During a recently aired interview on a radio station, a defence minister addressed claims that Ministry of Defence officials have been instructed not to talk about secret material while travelling in China-made vehicles.
He explained that the MoD is “looking into” Chinese vehicles within its vehicle pools, however stressed that security is a issue in all contemporary cars.
We have a fleet of tens of thousands of vehicles in the Ministry of Defence and those vehicles represent a very small number.
However regardless of if you’re driving a vehicle from China or a car from another country, what we’ve asked our people is to avoid connecting Ministry of Defence technology into their vehicle, to avoid having discussions at a secret level in any car, because of the growing risks of eavesdropping that are present in all automobile, to only have those secret conversations in secure locations. This is a wise and reasonable thing for everyone worried about security.
After it was suggested that it would be wise for the ministry to stop using all Chinese vehicles, the minister replied: That is precisely what we’re investigating at the present time.”
Wider Defence Background
This revelation follows claims from Norway and Denmark have warned the United Kingdom to the presence of dual-use kill switches in Chinese electric buses, which could allow China to switch off public transport and cause disruption to transport systems.
Additionally, a Russia intelligence vessel was reportedly shining laser beams at RAF aircrew, labeled a “extremely risky” act by government representatives.
The broader security situation highlights the significance of strong protocols and vigilance in all aspects of government operations, including vehicle use to communication practices.
