A defence minister has confirmed that the MoD is currently looking into the possible security risks associated with Chinese cars, while personnel have been instructed to refrain from discussing classified information in all vehicles.
Security Advice for MoD Personnel
In a recently aired interview on LBC, a defence minister commented on claims that MoD staff have been told not to talk about classified information while riding in Chinese vehicles.
The minister said that the ministry is “investigating” Chinese vehicles within its vehicle pools, however emphasised that security is a concern in all modern vehicles.
We have a fleet of tens of thousands of vehicles in the MoD and Chinese ones account for a tiny fraction.
However regardless of if you’re driving a vehicle from China or a non-Chinese car, what we’ve asked our people is to avoid connecting Ministry of Defence devices into their vehicle, to avoid having discussions at a secret classification in any kind of car, because of the increasing threats of surveillance that exist in all automobile, to only have those confidential talks in secure locations. That’s a wise and sensible thing for anyone concerned about safety.
When it was suggested that it would be wise for the MoD to cease using every cars from China, Pollard responded: That is precisely what we’re investigating at the present time.”
Broader Defence Context
This announcement follows reports from Norway and Denmark have alerted the United Kingdom to the existence of dual-use shutdown mechanisms in Chinese buses, which could enable China to disable buses and cause disruption to transport systems.
Furthermore, a Russian spy ship has been shining lasers at Royal Air Force aircrew, labeled a “extremely risky” act by government representatives.
The wider defence environment highlights the importance of robust protocols and vigilance in all aspects of government activities, from vehicle usage to discussions habits.
