Government Official Says MoD Examining Security Risk from Vehicles from China, as Personnel Advised to Refrain from Secret Talk in Vehicles.
An defense minister has stated that the MoD is currently examining the possible security risks associated with Chinese-made cars, while staff have been instructed to avoid discussing secret information in all cars.
Security Advice for MoD 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 Chinese vehicles.
He said that the MoD is “looking into” Chinese vehicles within its vehicle pools, however noted that security is a issue in all contemporary vehicles.
We have a fleet of thousands of cars in the Ministry of Defence and Chinese ones account for a very small number.
However regardless of if you’re traveling in a vehicle from China or a non-Chinese car, our instruction to our people 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 risks of surveillance that are present in all vehicle, to only have those confidential talks in secure locations. This is a prudent and sensible thing for anyone worried about security.
After it was put to him that it would be wise for the MoD to cease using every cars from China, the minister responded: ‘That’s precisely what we’re investigating at the moment.”
Wider Defence Background
This announcement comes as claims from Norway and Denmark have warned the UK to the existence of dual-use kill switches in Chinese electric buses, which could enable the Chinese government to disable public transport and cause disruption to transport systems.
Additionally, a Russia intelligence vessel has been directing lasers at RAF aircrew, described as a “highly dangerous” act by government representatives.
This wider defence situation underscores the significance of strong measures and caution in every aspects of government activities, including transport use to communication practices.
