An defence official has stated that the MoD is currently investigating the potential threats posed by Chinese vehicles, while personnel have been told to refrain from talking about classified information in all vehicles.
Security Advice for MoD Staff
During a recently aired appearance on LBC, a defence minister commented on claims that Ministry of Defence officials have been told not to discuss classified material while travelling in China-made cars.
The minister said that the ministry is “examining” Chinese vehicles within its fleets, but stressed that security is a concern in every modern cars.
We have a fleet of thousands of cars in the Ministry of Defence and those vehicles account for a very small number.
However regardless of if you’re traveling in a vehicle from China or a car from another country, what we’ve asked our staff is not to plug Ministry of Defence technology into their car, not to have discussions at a classified classification in any car, because of the growing threats of surveillance that are present in every single automobile, to only have those confidential talks in protected areas. This is a wise and sensible thing for anyone worried about safety.
After it was put to him that it would be prudent for the MoD to cease using all Chinese vehicles, the minister responded: ‘That’s exactly what we are looking into at the present time.”
Wider Defence Background
The announcement follows claims from Norway and Denmark have warned the United Kingdom to the existence of multi-purpose kill switches in Chinese buses, which could enable the Chinese government to disable buses and bring chaos to public transit.
Furthermore, a Russian intelligence vessel has been shining laser beams at RAF pilots, described as a “highly dangerous” act by government representatives.
This broader security situation highlights the importance of robust measures and vigilance in all aspects of government operations, including vehicle use to communication practices.
