A defence official has stated that the MoD is actively examining the possible security risks posed by Chinese vehicles, while personnel have been told to refrain from discussing classified matters in all cars.
Security Advice for MoD Staff
In a recent appearance on LBC, a defence minister addressed claims that MoD officials have been instructed not to discuss secret material while travelling in Chinese cars.
He explained that the ministry is “investigating” cars from China within its vehicle pools, but emphasised that security is a issue in every contemporary cars.
We have a collection of thousands of vehicles in the MoD and Chinese ones account for a tiny fraction.
But regardless of if you’re traveling in a Chinese car or a car from another country, what we’ve asked our people is to avoid connecting Ministry of Defence devices into their vehicle, not to have conversations at a classified level in any kind of vehicle, because of the growing threats of surveillance that exist in every single vehicle, to restrict those secret talks in protected areas. This is a prudent and sensible thing for anyone worried about safety.
When it was suggested that it would be prudent for the MoD to stop using all cars from China, Pollard responded: ‘That’s exactly what we’re investigating at the present time.”
Wider Defence Context
This announcement comes as claims from Scandinavian countries have alerted the UK to the presence of multi-purpose kill switches in Chinese-made electric buses, which could allow China to disable buses and cause chaos to transport systems.
Furthermore, a Russian intelligence vessel has been directing laser beams at RAF pilots, described as a “highly dangerous” act by defence officials.
The wider defence situation underscores the importance of strong measures and caution in all areas of government activities, from transport use to discussions practices.
