An defence minister has stated that the MoD is currently examining the possible security risks associated with Chinese cars, while personnel have been told to avoid discussing classified information in any vehicles.
Security Guidance for Defence Staff
In a recent appearance on LBC, a defence minister commented on reports that Ministry of Defence staff have been told not to discuss secret material while travelling in China-made vehicles.
The minister stated that the MoD is “looking into” Chinese vehicles within its fleets, however emphasised that safety is a issue in every modern vehicles.
We have a fleet of thousands of vehicles in the MoD and Chinese ones account for a tiny fraction.
But regardless of if you’re driving a Chinese car or a car from another country, our instruction to our people is not to plug Ministry of Defence technology into their car, to avoid having conversations at a secret classification in any kind of car, because of the growing risks of eavesdropping that are present in every single automobile, to only have those secret conversations in protected areas. That’s a prudent and reasonable thing for everyone worried about security.
After it was put to him that it would be wise for the MoD to cease using every cars from China, Pollard replied: ‘That’s precisely what we’re investigating at the present time.”
Wider Defence Context
This announcement comes as reports from Norway and Denmark have alerted the United Kingdom to the presence of multi-purpose shutdown mechanisms in Chinese-made electric buses, which could enable the Chinese government to disable buses and cause chaos to public transit.
Additionally, a Russian intelligence vessel was reportedly directing lasers at RAF aircrew, described as a “highly dangerous” act by government representatives.
The wider security situation underscores the importance of strong protocols and vigilance in every areas of government activities, from transport use to communication practices.
