A defence official has confirmed that the Ministry of Defence is currently investigating the potential threats posed by Chinese vehicles, while staff have been instructed to avoid discussing classified information in all cars.
Security Guidance for MoD Staff
In a recently aired appearance on a radio station, a defence minister addressed reports that MoD officials have been told not to discuss classified material while riding in Chinese vehicles.
The minister explained that the MoD is “examining” cars from China within its fleets, but noted that security is a issue in all contemporary cars.
Our department has a fleet of tens of thousands of vehicles in the Ministry of Defence and those vehicles account for a tiny fraction.
But regardless of if you’re traveling in a vehicle from China or a car from another country, what we’ve asked our staff is to avoid connecting MoD technology into their vehicle, not to have conversations at a classified classification in any car, because of the growing risks of eavesdropping that exist in every single vehicle, to restrict those secret talks in protected areas. This is a wise and reasonable thing for anyone worried about security.
When it was put to him that it would be prudent for the ministry to cease using all Chinese vehicles, the minister responded: That is precisely what we are looking into at the present time.”
Wider Security Background
The revelation follows reports from Scandinavian countries have alerted the United Kingdom to the existence of multi-purpose shutdown mechanisms in Chinese buses, which could allow the Chinese government to switch off buses and bring chaos to transport systems.
Furthermore, a Russian spy ship has been directing laser beams at RAF aircrew, labeled a “highly dangerous” act by defence officials.
This wider defence situation highlights the importance of robust measures and vigilance in all areas of government activities, including vehicle use to communication practices.
