A defence minister has revealed that the MoD is actively examining the potential security risks posed by Chinese vehicles, while staff have been advised to avoid discussing classified information in all cars.
Safety Guidance for Defence Personnel
During a recently aired interview on a radio station, a defence minister commented on claims that MoD staff have been instructed not to discuss classified information while riding in China-made vehicles.
He explained that the ministry is “looking into” cars from China within its fleets, but stressed that security is a concern in every modern vehicles.
We have 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 Chinese car or a car from another country, what we’ve asked our staff is to avoid connecting Ministry of Defence devices into their vehicle, to avoid having discussions at a secret classification in any vehicle, because of the growing threats of eavesdropping that exist in all automobile, to only have those confidential talks in protected areas. This is a wise and reasonable thing for everyone concerned about security.
After it was suggested that it would be wise for the MoD to stop using every Chinese vehicles, Pollard responded: That is exactly what we are looking into at the present time.”
Wider Defence Background
This announcement comes as reports from Scandinavian countries have alerted the UK to the existence of multi-purpose shutdown mechanisms in Chinese-made buses, which could enable the Chinese government to switch off public transport and bring disruption to transport systems.
Additionally, a Russia intelligence vessel has been directing laser beams at Royal Air Force pilots, described as a “extremely risky” action by government representatives.
This wider defence situation underscores the significance of robust measures and caution in all aspects of official operations, from transport use to discussions habits.
