Government Official Says MoD Investigating Security Risk from Chinese Cars, as Staff Told to Avoid Confidential Discussions in Vehicles.
A defence minister has stated that the Ministry of Defence is actively examining the potential threats associated with Chinese cars, and staff have been told to refrain from talking about secret matters in any cars.
Security Guidance for MoD Staff
During a recent appearance on a radio station, a defence minister addressed reports that MoD staff have been instructed not to discuss secret information while travelling in Chinese vehicles.
He said that the ministry is “looking into” Chinese vehicles within its vehicle pools, however noted that safety is a issue in every contemporary cars.
We have a fleet of tens of thousands of cars in the MoD and Chinese ones account for a tiny fraction.
But whether you’re traveling in a vehicle from China or a non-Chinese car, our instruction to our staff is to avoid connecting MoD devices into their vehicle, not to have conversations at a secret level in any vehicle, because of the growing risks of surveillance that exist in every single automobile, to restrict those secret conversations in protected areas. This is a wise and reasonable thing for anyone worried about security.
When it was put to him that it would be prudent for the ministry to cease using every Chinese vehicles, the minister responded: That is precisely what we’re investigating at the moment.”
Broader Security Context
This announcement comes as reports from Scandinavian countries have warned the UK to the presence of multi-purpose kill switches in Chinese-made buses, which could enable China to switch off public transport and bring disruption to transport systems.
Furthermore, a Russian intelligence vessel was reportedly shining lasers at Royal Air Force aircrew, described as a “highly dangerous” act by government representatives.
The wider security environment underscores the significance of robust measures and caution in every aspects of official activities, including transport use to discussions habits.
