A defence official has stated that the MoD is currently looking into the possible security risks associated with Chinese-made vehicles, and staff have been told to refrain from talking about classified matters in all cars.
Safety Guidance for Defence Staff
In a recently aired interview on LBC, a defence minister addressed reports that Ministry of Defence staff have been told not to talk about secret material while travelling in China-made cars.
He stated that the MoD is “investigating” cars from China within its vehicle pools, but stressed that security is a issue in every contemporary vehicles.
We have a fleet of thousands of cars in the MoD and Chinese ones represent a very small number.
However whether 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 car, to avoid having conversations at a classified classification in any kind of vehicle, because of the growing threats of surveillance that exist in every single automobile, to only have those secret talks in secure locations. This is a prudent and reasonable thing for everyone concerned about security.
When it was put to him that it would be prudent for the ministry to stop using every cars from China, Pollard replied: That is precisely what we are looking into at the present time.”
Broader Security Context
This announcement follows claims from Norway and Denmark have warned the UK to the presence of dual-use kill switches in Chinese buses, which could allow the Chinese government to disable public transport and cause disruption to public transit.
Furthermore, a Russia spy ship has been directing laser beams at Royal Air Force aircrew, described as a “extremely risky” action by defence officials.
The wider defence situation underscores the importance of strong protocols and vigilance in every aspects of government operations, from transport use to communication practices.
