A defense official has revealed that the Ministry of Defence is currently investigating the possible security risks posed by Chinese cars, while personnel have been told to avoid talking about classified information in all vehicles.
Security Guidance for MoD Personnel
During a recent appearance on a radio station, a defence minister commented on reports that Ministry of Defence staff have been instructed not to discuss secret material while riding in China-made vehicles.
He explained that the ministry is “examining” cars from China within its fleets, however noted that security is a concern in every contemporary cars.
Our department has a collection of tens of thousands of vehicles in the Ministry of Defence and Chinese ones account for a very small number.
However whether you’re driving a vehicle from China or a non-Chinese car, our instruction to our people is not to plug MoD technology into their car, to avoid having discussions at a secret level in any car, due to the increasing threats of surveillance that exist in all automobile, to only have those secret conversations in secure locations. That’s a prudent and sensible thing for anyone worried about safety.
After it was put to him that it would be wise for the MoD to cease using every Chinese vehicles, Pollard replied: That is exactly what we are looking into at the moment.”
Wider Security Background
The revelation follows reports from Norway and Denmark have warned the United Kingdom to the presence of dual-use shutdown mechanisms in Chinese electric buses, which could allow China to switch off public transport and bring disruption to transport systems.
Additionally, a Russia spy ship has been directing laser beams at Royal Air Force aircrew, labeled a “highly dangerous” act by defence officials.
The broader defence environment highlights the importance of strong measures and caution in every areas of official operations, including vehicle use to discussions practices.
