A defence official has revealed that the Ministry of Defence is actively looking into the potential security risks posed by Chinese cars, while personnel have been instructed to avoid discussing classified matters in any vehicles.
Security Guidance for MoD Staff
In a recently aired appearance on a radio station, a defence minister commented on claims that MoD officials have been told not to talk about secret information while riding in China-made vehicles.
The minister explained that the ministry is “examining” Chinese vehicles within its fleets, but emphasised that security is a concern in every modern cars.
We have a collection of tens of thousands of vehicles in the Ministry of Defence and those vehicles represent a very small number.
But whether you’re traveling in a vehicle from China or a car from another country, what we’ve asked our people is to avoid connecting MoD devices into their vehicle, to avoid having discussions at a secret level in any kind of car, because of the increasing risks of surveillance that exist in every single vehicle, to only have those confidential conversations in secure locations. This is a wise and reasonable thing for anyone worried about security.
When it was put to him that it would be wise for the ministry to cease using all cars from China, Pollard responded: ‘That’s exactly what we are looking into at the present time.”
Wider Defence Context
This revelation follows reports from Scandinavian countries have alerted the UK to the existence of multi-purpose shutdown mechanisms in Chinese buses, which could enable China to switch off public transport and cause chaos to transport systems.
Furthermore, a Russia intelligence vessel was reportedly directing lasers at Royal Air Force aircrew, described as a “highly dangerous” action by government representatives.
This wider security environment highlights the significance of robust measures and vigilance in every areas of government activities, from transport use to communication habits.
