Government Official Confirms MoD Looking at Potential Threat from Vehicles from China, with Staff Instructed to Refrain from Secret Talk in Vehicles.
A defense minister has revealed that the Ministry of Defence is currently investigating the potential threats associated with Chinese-made vehicles, while staff have been advised to avoid discussing secret matters in any vehicles.
Safety Advice for Defence Staff
During a recently aired appearance on LBC, a defence minister commented on claims that MoD staff have been told not to talk about classified material while travelling in Chinese vehicles.
The minister explained that the ministry is “investigating” cars from China within its fleets, but stressed that safety is a concern in all modern vehicles.
Our department has a fleet of tens of thousands of cars in the MoD and Chinese ones account for a very small number.
But whether you’re driving a Chinese car or a car from another country, our instruction to our people is to avoid connecting MoD devices into their vehicle, not to have discussions at a secret classification in any car, because of the growing risks of surveillance that exist in every single automobile, to restrict those secret talks in protected areas. This is a wise and sensible thing for everyone concerned about safety.
When it was suggested that it would be prudent for the ministry to cease using every Chinese vehicles, the minister replied: That is exactly what we’re investigating at the present time.”
Broader Security Context
The revelation comes as reports from Norway and Denmark have warned the United Kingdom to the presence of multi-purpose shutdown mechanisms in Chinese electric buses, which could enable China to disable public transport and bring chaos to public transit.
Additionally, a Russia spy ship was reportedly shining lasers at RAF aircrew, labeled a “highly dangerous” action by defence officials.
The wider security environment highlights the significance of robust measures and vigilance in every aspects of official activities, including vehicle usage to discussions practices.
