A defence minister has revealed that the MoD is currently investigating the potential security risks associated with Chinese vehicles, and personnel have been advised to refrain from discussing secret matters in any vehicles.
Security Guidance for Defence Personnel
In a recently aired appearance on a radio station, a defence minister commented on reports that MoD staff have been told not to discuss secret material while travelling in China-made vehicles.
He stated that the ministry is “examining” cars from China within its vehicle pools, but emphasised that security is a issue in every modern cars.
Our department has a fleet of tens of thousands of vehicles in the MoD and those vehicles represent a tiny fraction.
However whether you’re driving a Chinese car or a non-Chinese car, our instruction to our people is to avoid connecting MoD devices into their vehicle, to avoid having discussions at a secret level in any kind of car, due to the growing risks of eavesdropping that are present in every single vehicle, to only have those confidential talks in secure locations. This is a wise and sensible thing for everyone worried about security.
When it was suggested that it would be wise for the ministry to cease using all Chinese vehicles, the minister responded: That is exactly what we are looking into at the moment.”
Wider Defence Context
This announcement comes as reports from Scandinavian countries have warned the UK to the presence of multi-purpose shutdown mechanisms in Chinese-made buses, which could allow the Chinese government to disable buses and cause chaos to public transit.
Additionally, a Russia intelligence vessel has been shining lasers at Royal Air Force aircrew, described as a “extremely risky” act by defence officials.
The broader defence environment underscores the importance of robust measures and vigilance in every aspects of official activities, including transport use to discussions habits.
