An defense minister has confirmed that the Ministry of Defence is currently investigating the potential security risks posed by Chinese-made cars, while staff have been instructed to refrain from discussing classified matters in all vehicles.
Security Advice for MoD Staff
In a recently aired interview on LBC, a defence minister commented on reports that MoD staff have been told not to talk about secret information while travelling in China-made vehicles.
The minister explained that the MoD is “looking into” Chinese vehicles within its fleets, but stressed that safety is a concern in all contemporary vehicles.
We have a collection of thousands of vehicles in the Ministry of Defence and those vehicles represent a very small number.
But whether you’re driving a vehicle from China or a car from another country, our instruction to our people is not to plug Ministry of Defence devices into their car, to avoid having discussions at a classified level in any car, due to the increasing risks of surveillance that are present in every single vehicle, to restrict those secret conversations in secure locations. This is a prudent and sensible thing for everyone concerned about security.
When it was put to him that it would be prudent for the ministry to stop using all Chinese vehicles, Pollard responded: That is exactly what we’re investigating at the moment.”
Wider Defence Background
This revelation follows claims from Scandinavian countries have warned the UK to the presence of dual-use shutdown mechanisms in Chinese electric buses, which could allow the Chinese government to disable buses and bring disruption to public transit.
Furthermore, a Russia intelligence vessel has been directing lasers at Royal Air Force aircrew, labeled a “highly dangerous” action by government representatives.
The broader defence environment underscores the importance of strong measures and caution in all aspects of government activities, from vehicle use to discussions habits.
