An defence official has stated that the Ministry of Defence is currently investigating the possible security risks posed by Chinese vehicles, while staff have been instructed to avoid discussing classified matters in all vehicles.
Safety Advice for Defence Staff
In a recently aired interview on a radio station, a defence minister commented on claims that MoD staff have been told not to talk about secret information while riding in Chinese vehicles.
He explained that the MoD is “examining” cars from China within its vehicle pools, however emphasised that security is a concern in all contemporary vehicles.
We have a collection of tens of thousands of vehicles in the Ministry of Defence and Chinese ones represent a tiny fraction.
But whether you’re traveling in a Chinese car or a car from another country, what we’ve asked our staff is to avoid connecting Ministry of Defence technology into their vehicle, not to have discussions at a secret level in any car, because of the growing risks of surveillance that are present in all vehicle, to only have those confidential talks in secure locations. This is a wise and reasonable thing for anyone concerned about safety.
After it was put to him that it would be prudent for the ministry to stop using all cars from China, the minister responded: That is exactly what we are looking into at the present time.”
Wider Security Context
This announcement comes as claims from Norway and Denmark have warned the United Kingdom to the existence of dual-use kill switches in Chinese electric buses, which could enable the Chinese government to switch off public transport and bring disruption to public transit.
Furthermore, a Russia spy ship has been shining laser beams at Royal Air Force aircrew, labeled a “highly dangerous” act by defence officials.
The wider security situation underscores the importance of strong protocols and vigilance in every aspects of government operations, from transport use to communication practices.
