An defense official has confirmed that the MoD is currently examining the potential security risks associated with Chinese cars, and staff have been instructed to refrain from discussing classified matters in all cars.
Security Guidance for MoD Staff
In a recent appearance on LBC, a defence minister addressed claims that MoD officials have been instructed not to discuss secret material while riding in Chinese vehicles.
He stated that the ministry is “examining” Chinese vehicles within its fleets, but stressed that safety is a concern in every contemporary vehicles.
We have a collection of tens of thousands of cars in the MoD and those vehicles represent a tiny fraction.
However whether you’re traveling in 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 conversations at a secret level in any kind of vehicle, because of the increasing risks of eavesdropping that are present in all automobile, to restrict those confidential talks in protected areas. This is a wise and sensible thing for everyone concerned about security.
After it was put to him that it would be prudent for the ministry to cease using all cars from China, the minister replied: That is precisely what we’re investigating at the moment.”
Wider Security Context
This revelation comes as reports from Norway and Denmark have alerted the United Kingdom to the existence of multi-purpose shutdown mechanisms in Chinese-made electric buses, which could enable China to disable public transport and cause disruption to public transit.
Furthermore, a Russian spy ship has been directing lasers at Royal Air Force aircrew, described as a “extremely risky” action by government representatives.
The wider defence environment underscores the importance of strong protocols and caution in every areas of government operations, from vehicle use to discussions practices.
