Government Official States Ministry of Defence Looking at Potential Threat from Vehicles from China, with Personnel Instructed to Refrain from Secret Talk in Cars.
An defence minister has revealed that the Ministry of Defence is currently examining the potential threats posed by Chinese cars, and staff have been instructed to refrain from talking about classified information in any cars.
Security Guidance for MoD Personnel
During a recent appearance on LBC, a defence minister addressed claims that MoD staff have been told not to discuss classified information while travelling in Chinese vehicles.
He stated that the MoD is “investigating” cars from China within its vehicle pools, however stressed that security is a issue in all contemporary vehicles.
Our department has a collection of thousands of vehicles in the Ministry of Defence and Chinese ones account for a very small number.
However whether you’re driving a vehicle from China or a car from another country, what we’ve asked our staff is to avoid connecting MoD technology into their car, not to have conversations at a secret classification in any vehicle, because of the growing risks of surveillance that are present in all automobile, to restrict those secret talks in secure locations. This is a prudent and sensible thing for anyone concerned about security.
After it was put to him that it would be wise for the MoD to stop using all cars from China, the minister replied: That is exactly what we are looking into at the moment.”
Wider Defence Background
This revelation follows reports from Norway and Denmark have warned the UK to the existence of dual-use kill switches in Chinese buses, which could enable the Chinese government to disable public transport and bring chaos to public transit.
Furthermore, a Russian spy ship has been directing laser beams at Royal Air Force aircrew, labeled a “extremely risky” act by government representatives.
The broader security situation underscores the significance of strong protocols and vigilance in all areas of government activities, from transport use to communication practices.
