An defence minister has stated that the MoD is currently investigating the possible security risks posed by Chinese-made cars, while personnel have been instructed to refrain from talking about classified information in any cars.
Security Guidance for Defence Personnel
In a recently aired appearance on a radio station, a defence minister addressed claims that MoD officials have been instructed not to talk about classified information while travelling in China-made cars.
The minister explained that the ministry is “investigating” cars from China within its vehicle pools, but emphasised that security is a issue in all modern cars.
Our department has a collection of tens of thousands of vehicles in the MoD and those vehicles represent a very small number.
However 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 MoD technology into their car, to avoid having discussions at a secret level in any car, due to the growing risks of surveillance that exist in all automobile, to restrict those secret conversations in secure locations. That’s a wise and reasonable thing for anyone concerned about security.
After it was put to him that it would be prudent for the MoD to cease using every cars from China, the minister responded: That is exactly what we are looking into at the moment.”
Broader Defence Context
The revelation comes as claims from Scandinavian countries have warned the United Kingdom to the existence of multi-purpose shutdown mechanisms in Chinese buses, which could enable the Chinese government to disable buses and bring disruption to public transit.
Furthermore, a Russian spy ship was reportedly directing laser beams at RAF pilots, labeled a “highly dangerous” act by government representatives.
This wider security situation highlights the importance of robust protocols and caution in all aspects of official activities, including vehicle use to communication habits.
