An defence official has stated that the MoD is actively examining the possible security risks posed by Chinese vehicles, and staff have been told to avoid discussing classified matters in any cars.
Security Guidance for MoD Personnel
During a recently aired interview on a radio station, a defence minister addressed reports that Ministry of Defence officials have been instructed not to discuss classified material while riding in Chinese cars.
He stated that the MoD is “looking into” Chinese vehicles within its fleets, however noted that security is a issue in all contemporary vehicles.
Our department has a fleet of tens of thousands of cars in the Ministry of Defence and Chinese ones represent a very small number.
But regardless of if you’re driving a Chinese car or a car from another country, our instruction to our people is not to plug MoD technology into their car, to avoid having discussions at a classified classification in any kind of vehicle, due to the increasing threats of eavesdropping that are present in all vehicle, to only have those confidential conversations in protected areas. That’s a wise and reasonable thing for everyone concerned about safety.
When it was put to him that it would be wise for the ministry to stop using every cars from China, Pollard responded: That is exactly what we’re investigating at the moment.”
Broader Defence Background
This announcement follows claims from Norway and Denmark have alerted the United Kingdom to the existence of dual-use shutdown mechanisms in Chinese-made electric buses, which could enable the Chinese government to switch off buses and bring disruption to public transit.
Furthermore, a Russia intelligence vessel has been directing laser beams at Royal Air Force pilots, described as a “extremely risky” act by government representatives.
This broader defence situation highlights the importance of strong measures and caution in all aspects of official operations, including transport usage to communication practices.
