An defence minister has stated that the MoD is currently investigating the possible security risks posed by Chinese-made vehicles, and personnel have been instructed to avoid discussing classified information in any vehicles.
Security Guidance for MoD Staff
In a recent appearance on a radio station, a defence minister addressed reports that MoD officials have been told not to discuss secret information while riding in Chinese vehicles.
He explained that the MoD is “looking into” Chinese vehicles within its fleets, but emphasised that safety is a concern in every contemporary cars.
We have a collection of tens of thousands of cars in the MoD and those vehicles represent a tiny fraction.
But whether you’re traveling in a vehicle from China or a car from another country, our instruction to our staff is not to plug MoD technology into their vehicle, to avoid having conversations at a secret level in any kind of car, due to the growing risks of surveillance that are present in all automobile, to restrict those secret conversations in protected areas. This is a wise and reasonable thing for everyone concerned about safety.
After it was put to him that it would be prudent for the ministry to stop using every cars from China, Pollard replied: That is exactly what we are looking into at the moment.”
Broader Security Context
This announcement follows claims from Scandinavian countries have warned the UK to the presence of dual-use kill switches in Chinese buses, which could enable China to switch off buses and bring chaos to transport systems.
Additionally, a Russian intelligence vessel has been shining laser beams at RAF pilots, labeled a “highly dangerous” act by defence officials.
This broader defence situation underscores the importance of strong measures and caution in every areas of government operations, including vehicle use to discussions habits.
