An defence minister has confirmed that the MoD is currently investigating the possible threats associated with Chinese-made vehicles, and staff have been advised to avoid talking about classified matters in any vehicles.
Security Guidance for Defence Staff
In a recently aired appearance on LBC, a defence minister commented on claims that MoD staff have been instructed not to discuss classified information while riding in Chinese vehicles.
The minister said that the ministry is “examining” Chinese vehicles within its fleets, but stressed that security is a issue in every contemporary vehicles.
Our department has a collection of tens of thousands of cars in the MoD and those vehicles account for 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 not to plug Ministry of Defence technology into their vehicle, not to have conversations at a classified classification in any vehicle, because of the growing threats of surveillance that exist in every single vehicle, to restrict those confidential conversations in protected areas. That’s a wise and sensible thing for anyone worried about safety.
After it was put to him that it would be prudent for the ministry to stop using all cars from China, Pollard responded: ‘That’s precisely what we are looking into at the moment.”
Wider Defence Background
The revelation follows claims from Scandinavian countries have warned the UK to the presence of multi-purpose kill switches in Chinese electric buses, which could allow the Chinese government to disable public transport and bring disruption to transport systems.
Additionally, a Russia intelligence vessel was reportedly directing lasers at Royal Air Force aircrew, described as a “extremely risky” act by government representatives.
This wider defence situation underscores the importance of robust protocols and caution in all areas of government activities, from vehicle usage to communication habits.
