Government Official States MoD Investigating Security Risk from Vehicles from China, with Staff Told to Refrain from Confidential Discussions in Cars.
An defence official has stated that the MoD is currently looking into the possible threats associated with Chinese vehicles, while personnel have been advised to refrain from discussing secret matters in all cars.
Security Guidance for Defence Staff
During a recent interview on a radio station, a defence minister commented on claims that MoD staff have been told not to talk about secret material while riding in Chinese cars.
He explained that the ministry is “looking into” Chinese vehicles within its fleets, however stressed that security is a concern in every contemporary cars.
Our department has a fleet of tens of thousands of vehicles in the Ministry of Defence and those vehicles represent a very small number.
But whether you’re driving a vehicle from China or a car from another country, what we’ve asked our people is to avoid connecting MoD technology into their vehicle, not to have conversations at a classified classification in any kind of vehicle, due to the growing threats of eavesdropping that exist in every single vehicle, to only have those confidential conversations in secure locations. This is a wise and sensible thing for everyone concerned about safety.
After it was suggested that it would be wise for the MoD to stop using every Chinese vehicles, the minister responded: That is exactly what we are looking into at the present time.”
Broader Defence Background
The announcement comes as claims from Norway and Denmark have alerted the UK to the presence of multi-purpose kill switches in Chinese electric buses, which could allow China to disable public transport and bring chaos to public transit.
Additionally, a Russian intelligence vessel has been directing laser beams at Royal Air Force aircrew, labeled a “highly dangerous” act by government representatives.
The wider defence environment underscores the significance of strong protocols and vigilance in every aspects of government operations, including vehicle use to communication habits.
