A defense minister has stated that the MoD is actively looking into the possible security risks posed by Chinese cars, while staff have been told to refrain from discussing secret information in all cars.
Safety Guidance for MoD Staff
During a recent interview on LBC, a defence minister commented on reports that MoD staff have been instructed not to discuss classified material while travelling in China-made vehicles.
He stated that the MoD is “examining” cars from China within its fleets, however noted that security is a issue in all modern cars.
We have a fleet of tens of thousands of vehicles in the MoD and those vehicles account for a very small number.
But regardless of if 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 conversations at a secret classification in any kind of car, because of the increasing threats of eavesdropping that exist in all vehicle, to restrict 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 every Chinese vehicles, Pollard responded: That is precisely what we’re investigating at the moment.”
Wider Defence Background
This revelation comes as claims from Scandinavian countries have warned the UK to the presence of dual-use kill switches in Chinese-made electric buses, which could enable the Chinese government to switch off buses and bring disruption to transport systems.
Additionally, a Russia intelligence vessel was reportedly directing laser beams at Royal Air Force aircrew, labeled a “extremely risky” action by defence officials.
The broader security situation underscores the importance of strong protocols and caution in every aspects of official activities, from vehicle use to discussions practices.
