A defense minister has confirmed that the Ministry of Defence is currently investigating the possible security risks associated with Chinese cars, and staff have been told to refrain from talking about classified matters in any vehicles.
Security Guidance for MoD Personnel
During a recent interview on a radio station, a defence minister addressed reports that MoD officials have been instructed not to talk about secret material while riding in Chinese cars.
He said that the MoD is “looking into” Chinese vehicles within its vehicle pools, but stressed that security is a concern in all modern cars.
We have a collection of tens of thousands of vehicles in the Ministry of Defence and those vehicles represent a tiny fraction.
However whether you’re driving a Chinese car or a car from another country, what we’ve asked our people is to avoid connecting MoD technology into their car, not to have conversations at a secret classification in any kind of vehicle, due to the growing threats of eavesdropping that exist in every single automobile, to restrict those confidential talks in secure locations. That’s a wise and sensible thing for anyone worried about safety.
When it was suggested that it would be wise for the MoD to stop using all Chinese vehicles, the minister replied: That is precisely what we’re investigating at the moment.”
Broader Security Context
The announcement comes as reports from Norway and Denmark have warned the United Kingdom to the existence of dual-use kill switches in Chinese buses, which could allow China to disable buses and cause disruption to transport systems.
Additionally, a Russia intelligence vessel has been directing laser beams at RAF pilots, labeled a “extremely risky” act by government representatives.
This broader defence environment underscores the importance of robust measures and vigilance in all aspects of official activities, including vehicle use to communication practices.
