Minister Says MoD Examining Security Risk from Chinese Cars, as Staff Instructed to Avoid Secret Talk in Cars.
A defence official has revealed that the MoD is actively investigating the potential security risks posed by Chinese-made vehicles, and staff have been told to avoid discussing secret matters in all vehicles.
Safety Guidance for MoD Staff
In a recently aired appearance on LBC, a defence minister commented on claims that MoD staff have been told not to talk about secret material while travelling in Chinese vehicles.
The minister said that the MoD is “looking into” Chinese vehicles within its fleets, but stressed that security is a concern in all modern cars.
Our department has a fleet of thousands of vehicles in the MoD and those vehicles account for a tiny fraction.
But whether you’re driving a vehicle from China or a car from another country, our instruction to our staff is to avoid connecting Ministry of Defence technology into their car, not to have discussions at a secret level in any kind of vehicle, due to the growing risks of surveillance that are present in all automobile, to restrict those secret talks in secure locations. That’s a prudent and reasonable thing for everyone concerned about safety.
After it was suggested that it would be prudent for the MoD to stop using all Chinese vehicles, the minister replied: ‘That’s exactly what we’re investigating at the moment.”
Wider Security Background
The announcement follows reports from Norway and Denmark have warned the UK to the presence of multi-purpose shutdown mechanisms in Chinese buses, which could enable the Chinese government to switch off buses and cause disruption to transport systems.
Furthermore, a Russia intelligence vessel has been directing laser beams at RAF pilots, described as a “highly dangerous” action by government representatives.
This wider defence situation highlights the significance of strong measures and caution in all aspects of official activities, from transport use to discussions practices.
