A defense official has stated that the MoD is currently investigating the potential security risks associated with Chinese-made vehicles, and staff have been advised to avoid talking about classified information in all cars.
Safety Advice for Defence Staff
During a recent interview on a radio station, a defence minister commented on reports that MoD officials have been told not to talk about classified information while travelling in Chinese vehicles.
He explained that the MoD is “investigating” Chinese vehicles within its vehicle pools, however emphasised that safety is a issue in every contemporary vehicles.
We have a collection of tens of thousands of cars in the MoD and those vehicles represent a tiny fraction.
But whether you’re driving a vehicle from China or a non-Chinese car, what we’ve asked our people is to avoid connecting MoD technology into their vehicle, to avoid having discussions at a classified classification in any vehicle, due to the growing risks of surveillance that exist in every single vehicle, to only have those secret talks in protected areas. That’s a prudent and reasonable thing for everyone concerned about safety.
When it was put to him that it would be prudent for the ministry to cease using every Chinese vehicles, the minister replied: ‘That’s precisely what we’re investigating at the moment.”
Wider Defence Background
This announcement follows reports from Norway and Denmark have warned the United Kingdom to the existence of multi-purpose kill switches in Chinese buses, which could allow the Chinese government to disable public transport and cause chaos to public transit.
Additionally, a Russia intelligence vessel was reportedly directing laser beams at Royal Air Force pilots, labeled a “highly dangerous” act by defence officials.
The broader defence situation highlights the importance of robust protocols and vigilance in every areas of official activities, from vehicle usage to discussions habits.
