An defense official has stated that the MoD is actively examining the potential security risks associated with Chinese-made vehicles, while personnel have been told to avoid talking about classified matters in any vehicles.
Safety Guidance for Defence Personnel
During a recent interview on a radio station, a defence minister addressed reports that Ministry of Defence staff have been told not to discuss secret information while riding in China-made vehicles.
The minister said that the MoD is “investigating” Chinese vehicles within its fleets, but noted that safety is a concern in every modern cars.
We have a fleet of tens of thousands of cars in the Ministry of Defence and Chinese ones represent a very small number.
However whether you’re driving a vehicle from China or a non-Chinese car, what we’ve asked our staff is to avoid connecting Ministry of Defence technology into their vehicle, to avoid having conversations at a secret classification in any kind of vehicle, because of the increasing risks of surveillance that exist in all vehicle, to restrict those secret conversations in secure locations. That’s a prudent and reasonable thing for everyone concerned about security.
When it was put to him that it would be wise for the MoD to cease using every Chinese vehicles, the minister replied: That is precisely what we are looking into at the moment.”
Wider Defence Context
This revelation follows reports from Norway and Denmark have alerted the UK to the presence of multi-purpose shutdown mechanisms in Chinese-made buses, which could allow the Chinese government to switch off buses and bring disruption to transport systems.
Additionally, a Russian intelligence vessel has been shining laser beams at RAF pilots, described as a “extremely risky” act by government representatives.
The broader defence situation underscores the importance of strong measures and vigilance in all aspects of government operations, from vehicle use to discussions habits.
