A defense minister has stated that the MoD is actively looking into the possible security risks associated with Chinese-made cars, and personnel have been instructed to avoid discussing classified information in any cars.
Safety Guidance for Defence Staff
In a recent interview on a radio station, a defence minister commented on claims that MoD staff have been told not to discuss secret material while riding in Chinese cars.
The minister explained that the MoD is “looking into” Chinese vehicles within its fleets, however stressed that security is a issue in all contemporary cars.
We have a fleet of thousands of vehicles in the MoD and those vehicles represent a very small number.
But whether you’re driving a vehicle from China 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 increasing risks of eavesdropping that are present in every single automobile, to restrict those secret talks in secure locations. This is a wise and reasonable thing for anyone concerned about security.
After it was suggested that it would be wise for the ministry to cease using all cars from China, Pollard replied: ‘That’s exactly what we’re investigating at the moment.”
Wider Defence Context
The revelation comes as reports from Scandinavian countries have alerted the United Kingdom to the presence of multi-purpose shutdown mechanisms in Chinese-made electric buses, which could allow the Chinese government to switch off public transport and cause disruption to public transit.
Furthermore, a Russia spy ship was reportedly directing lasers at RAF pilots, labeled a “extremely risky” act by government representatives.
The broader defence situation underscores the significance of robust measures and caution in every areas of government operations, including vehicle use to discussions habits.
