Minister States MoD Looking at Security Risk from Vehicles from China, as Personnel Advised to Refrain from Confidential Discussions in Vehicles.
An defence official has stated that the MoD is currently investigating the potential security risks posed by Chinese-made cars, and staff have been advised to refrain from discussing secret matters in any vehicles.
Safety Guidance for Defence Personnel
During a recently aired appearance on a radio station, a defence minister commented on claims that MoD officials have been instructed not to discuss classified information while travelling in China-made vehicles.
He explained that the MoD is “examining” Chinese vehicles within its fleets, but noted that safety is a issue in every modern cars.
We have a collection of tens of thousands of vehicles in the Ministry of Defence and those vehicles account for a tiny fraction.
However whether you’re driving 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 vehicle, not to have discussions at a classified classification in any car, because of the increasing risks of surveillance that are present in all automobile, to only have those secret talks in secure locations. This is a wise and reasonable thing for anyone worried about security.
When it was suggested that it would be prudent for the MoD to stop using every Chinese vehicles, the minister replied: ‘That’s precisely what we’re investigating at the moment.”
Wider Defence Background
This revelation follows reports from Norway and Denmark have warned the UK to the presence of multi-purpose shutdown mechanisms in Chinese-made electric buses, which could allow the Chinese government to disable buses and cause disruption to public transit.
Furthermore, a Russia intelligence vessel has been shining lasers at RAF aircrew, labeled a “extremely risky” action by government representatives.
The wider defence situation underscores the significance of robust measures and caution in every aspects of government activities, from transport use to discussions habits.
