An defense official has revealed that the MoD is actively looking into the potential security risks associated with Chinese-made cars, and personnel have been instructed to refrain from talking about secret matters in any vehicles.
Security Guidance for MoD Staff
In a recently aired appearance on LBC, a defence minister addressed claims that Ministry of Defence staff have been instructed not to discuss classified material while travelling in Chinese vehicles.
He stated that the ministry is “investigating” cars from China within its fleets, but noted that security is a issue in all modern cars.
We have a fleet of thousands of cars in the MoD and Chinese ones represent a very small number.
However whether you’re traveling in a vehicle from China or a non-Chinese car, our instruction to our people is to avoid connecting Ministry of Defence devices into their vehicle, not to have discussions at a secret level in any car, because of the growing risks of eavesdropping that exist in every single automobile, to only have those confidential conversations in secure locations. This is a wise and sensible thing for everyone worried about security.
After it was put to him that it would be wise for the ministry to cease using every cars from China, Pollard replied: That is exactly what we’re investigating at the moment.”
Broader Security Context
The announcement comes as reports from Norway and Denmark have alerted the United Kingdom to the presence of dual-use kill switches in Chinese-made buses, which could enable China to disable public transport and cause disruption to public transit.
Additionally, a Russia intelligence vessel was reportedly shining lasers at RAF aircrew, labeled a “extremely risky” act by government representatives.
The wider security environment highlights the significance of robust protocols and caution in every areas of official operations, including vehicle use to discussions practices.
