A defence official has revealed that the MoD is currently looking into the possible security risks associated with Chinese vehicles, and personnel have been advised to avoid talking about secret information in any cars.
Security Advice for Defence Personnel
During a recently aired appearance on a radio station, a defence minister addressed claims that MoD officials have been told not to discuss secret information while riding in China-made vehicles.
He explained that the MoD is “looking into” Chinese vehicles within its vehicle pools, but noted that security is a issue in every modern vehicles.
Our department has a collection of thousands of vehicles in the MoD and Chinese ones account for a very small number.
But regardless of if 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 devices into their car, to avoid having conversations at a secret level in any car, due to the increasing threats of surveillance that exist in all automobile, to restrict those secret talks in protected areas. This is a prudent and reasonable thing for everyone concerned about security.
When it was put to him that it would be prudent for the MoD to stop using all cars from China, the minister replied: That is exactly what we’re investigating at the moment.”
Wider Defence Context
This revelation follows reports from Scandinavian countries have warned the UK to the existence of dual-use kill switches in Chinese electric buses, which could allow China to switch off public transport and cause disruption to transport systems.
Furthermore, a Russian intelligence vessel was reportedly directing lasers at RAF aircrew, labeled a “highly dangerous” action by defence officials.
The wider security situation highlights the significance of robust measures and vigilance in every aspects of official activities, from transport usage to discussions habits.
