Government Official Says Ministry of Defence Examining Security Risk from Chinese Cars, with Personnel Advised to Avoid Confidential Discussions in Vehicles.
A defense official has confirmed that the MoD is actively investigating the possible threats associated with Chinese cars, and personnel have been instructed to avoid talking about classified matters in any cars.
Security Advice for Defence Personnel
During a recently aired appearance on a radio station, a defence minister addressed claims that MoD staff have been instructed not to talk about classified material while riding in Chinese vehicles.
He said that the ministry is “looking into” Chinese vehicles within its vehicle pools, but emphasised that security is a concern in all contemporary cars.
Our department has a collection of tens of thousands of vehicles in the MoD and Chinese ones represent a tiny fraction.
However regardless of if you’re driving a Chinese car or a non-Chinese car, what we’ve asked our staff is to avoid connecting MoD technology into their car, to avoid having conversations at a classified classification in any vehicle, because of the increasing threats of eavesdropping that exist in all vehicle, to only have those secret conversations in protected areas. That’s a wise and sensible thing for everyone worried about safety.
After it was put to him that it would be wise for the MoD to stop using every Chinese vehicles, the minister replied: That is exactly what we’re investigating at the present time.”
Broader Defence Context
The 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 China to switch off buses and cause chaos to public transit.
Additionally, a Russian intelligence vessel has been directing lasers at RAF pilots, labeled a “highly dangerous” act by government representatives.
The wider defence environment underscores the significance of strong measures and caution in every aspects of official activities, from vehicle usage to discussions habits.
