Minister Says MoD Looking at Potential Threat from Vehicles from China, with Staff Told to Refrain from Confidential Discussions in Vehicles.
An defence official has revealed that the MoD is currently investigating the possible security risks associated with Chinese vehicles, while staff have been told to refrain from discussing classified information in all cars.
Safety Advice for Defence Staff
During a recent appearance on a radio station, a defence minister addressed claims that Ministry of Defence staff have been told not to discuss classified material while riding in Chinese cars.
The minister stated that the MoD is “looking into” cars from China within its vehicle pools, however stressed that safety is a concern in every contemporary cars.
We have a fleet of thousands of vehicles in the Ministry of Defence and those vehicles represent a very small number.
However whether you’re traveling in a vehicle from China or a non-Chinese car, what we’ve asked our people is to avoid connecting MoD devices into their vehicle, to avoid having discussions at a secret classification in any kind of vehicle, because of the increasing risks of surveillance that exist in every single automobile, to restrict those confidential conversations in secure locations. This is a prudent and reasonable thing for anyone worried about safety.
When it was suggested that it would be wise for the MoD to cease using all Chinese vehicles, the minister replied: That is precisely what we’re investigating at the moment.”
Wider Defence Background
The revelation follows claims from Scandinavian countries have alerted the United Kingdom to the presence of multi-purpose shutdown mechanisms in Chinese buses, which could enable the Chinese government to switch off public transport and cause disruption to public transit.
Furthermore, a Russian spy ship was reportedly directing laser beams at Royal Air Force pilots, labeled a “extremely risky” act by government representatives.
This wider security environment highlights the importance of strong measures and vigilance in every aspects of government operations, from transport use to discussions habits.
