A defence official has revealed that the MoD is actively looking into the possible threats associated with Chinese vehicles, while staff have been told to refrain from discussing classified matters in all vehicles.
Security Guidance for MoD Personnel
During a recently aired appearance on LBC, a defence minister commented on reports that MoD staff have been instructed not to discuss classified information while travelling in China-made vehicles.
The minister explained that the ministry is “investigating” cars from China within its fleets, but emphasised that security is a concern in every contemporary cars.
Our department has a collection of thousands of vehicles in the MoD and those vehicles account for a tiny fraction.
But whether you’re driving a vehicle from China or a car from another country, our instruction to our staff is to avoid connecting Ministry of Defence technology into their car, to avoid having conversations at a secret level in any kind of vehicle, due to the increasing risks of surveillance that exist in every single automobile, to restrict those confidential talks in secure locations. This is a wise and reasonable thing for anyone worried about security.
After it was put to him 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 present time.”
Wider Security Context
This revelation comes as reports from Norway and Denmark have warned the UK to the existence of dual-use kill switches in Chinese-made electric buses, which could allow the Chinese government to switch off public transport and bring chaos to transport systems.
Additionally, a Russia intelligence vessel was reportedly directing lasers at Royal Air Force pilots, described as a “highly dangerous” act by government representatives.
This wider defence situation underscores the significance of strong protocols and caution in all aspects of government activities, including vehicle usage to discussions practices.
