An defense official has stated that the MoD is actively examining the possible security risks posed by Chinese-made vehicles, and staff have been instructed to avoid talking about secret information in any vehicles.
Security Guidance for MoD Personnel
During a recent appearance on a radio station, a defence minister addressed claims that Ministry of Defence staff have been instructed not to discuss secret information while riding in China-made cars.
The minister explained that the MoD is “looking into” cars from China within its fleets, however noted that security is a concern in all contemporary cars.
Our department has a collection of thousands of vehicles in the Ministry of Defence and those vehicles represent a very small number.
However regardless of if you’re traveling in a Chinese car or a non-Chinese car, our instruction to our staff is not to plug MoD devices into their vehicle, not to have discussions at a classified classification in any vehicle, due to the growing risks of eavesdropping that exist in every single automobile, to only have those secret conversations in protected areas. That’s a prudent and reasonable thing for everyone concerned about safety.
When it was suggested that it would be prudent for the ministry to cease using all Chinese vehicles, Pollard replied: ‘That’s exactly what we’re investigating at the moment.”
Broader Security Background
The announcement comes as claims from Scandinavian countries have alerted the UK to the presence of multi-purpose kill switches in Chinese electric buses, which could allow the Chinese government to disable public transport and bring disruption to transport systems.
Furthermore, a Russia intelligence vessel has been directing laser beams at RAF aircrew, described as a “highly dangerous” act by defence officials.
The broader security environment underscores the importance of strong protocols and caution in all areas of government activities, including vehicle use to discussions habits.
