Minister Says Ministry of Defence Looking at Potential Threat from Vehicles from China, as Staff Instructed to Avoid Secret Talk in Cars.
An defense official has revealed that the Ministry of Defence is currently investigating the possible threats associated with Chinese-made cars, while personnel have been told to refrain from talking about secret matters in any vehicles.
Security Advice for MoD Personnel
In a recently aired interview on a radio station, a defence minister addressed reports that Ministry of Defence officials have been instructed not to discuss classified information while travelling in China-made cars.
He said that the MoD is “examining” Chinese vehicles within its fleets, however noted that safety is a issue in all contemporary cars.
We have a collection of thousands of cars in the Ministry of Defence and Chinese ones account for a very small number.
But regardless of if you’re driving a Chinese car or a car from another country, what we’ve asked our people is to avoid connecting Ministry of Defence technology into their car, not to have discussions at a secret level in any car, due to the increasing threats of eavesdropping that are present in every single automobile, to only have those confidential talks in secure locations. This is a wise and sensible thing for everyone worried about security.
After it was suggested that it would be prudent for the ministry to cease using all cars from China, the minister responded: ‘That’s precisely what we’re investigating at the present time.”
Wider Defence Context
This revelation comes as claims from Norway and Denmark have warned the UK to the presence of multi-purpose shutdown mechanisms in Chinese-made buses, which could enable the Chinese government to switch off public transport and cause chaos to transport systems.
Additionally, a Russia intelligence vessel was reportedly directing lasers at RAF pilots, labeled a “highly dangerous” action by government representatives.
The broader defence environment underscores the importance of strong measures and vigilance in all areas of government operations, including vehicle use to discussions habits.
