A defense minister has stated that the MoD is actively examining the possible threats associated with Chinese cars, while personnel have been advised to avoid discussing secret matters in all vehicles.
Security Guidance for Defence Staff
During a recent interview on LBC, a defence minister commented on claims that Ministry of Defence staff have been told not to talk about classified information while riding in Chinese vehicles.
The minister explained that the MoD is “examining” cars from China within its fleets, but noted that safety is a issue in all modern vehicles.
Our department has a fleet of tens of thousands of vehicles in the Ministry of Defence and those vehicles account for a very small number.
But whether you’re traveling in a vehicle from China or a car from another country, our instruction to our people is not to plug MoD technology into their car, to avoid having discussions at a secret classification in any kind of vehicle, due to the growing threats of surveillance that are present in every single automobile, to restrict those confidential conversations in protected areas. That’s a prudent and sensible thing for anyone concerned about safety.
After it was put to him that it would be prudent for the MoD to stop using all Chinese vehicles, Pollard responded: ‘That’s precisely what we are looking into at the present time.”
Broader Security Background
The announcement comes as claims from Norway and Denmark have warned the United Kingdom to the existence of multi-purpose shutdown mechanisms in Chinese electric buses, which could allow China to disable public transport and bring disruption to transport systems.
Furthermore, a Russian spy ship has been directing lasers at Royal Air Force aircrew, described as a “extremely risky” act by government representatives.
The wider defence environment underscores the significance of robust measures and caution in all aspects of government operations, including vehicle use to communication habits.
