A defence minister has stated that the MoD is actively investigating the possible security risks posed by Chinese-made cars, and staff have been told to avoid discussing secret information in any vehicles.
Security Advice for Defence Personnel
During a recent appearance on LBC, a defence minister commented on claims that MoD officials have been instructed not to discuss classified material while riding in China-made cars.
He stated that the MoD is “investigating” Chinese vehicles within its fleets, however stressed that security is a concern in all modern cars.
We have a fleet of tens of thousands of cars in the MoD and those vehicles represent a tiny fraction.
However whether you’re traveling in a vehicle from China or a car from another country, our instruction to our staff is to avoid connecting Ministry of Defence devices into their car, to avoid having conversations at a secret level in any vehicle, due to the increasing threats of surveillance that exist in every single automobile, to restrict those confidential conversations in secure locations. That’s a wise and reasonable thing for everyone concerned about safety.
When it was put to him that it would be wise for the MoD to cease using every Chinese vehicles, Pollard replied: ‘That’s precisely what we’re investigating at the present time.”
Broader Defence Background
This revelation follows claims from Norway and Denmark have warned the UK to the presence of dual-use shutdown mechanisms in Chinese-made buses, which could allow the Chinese government to switch off public transport and bring chaos to public transit.
Furthermore, a Russian intelligence vessel was reportedly shining laser beams at RAF pilots, described as a “extremely risky” act by defence officials.
The wider security environment highlights the significance of robust protocols and caution in all aspects of official operations, including vehicle use to communication habits.
