A defense minister has stated that the MoD is currently investigating the potential threats posed by Chinese cars, and personnel have been advised to avoid discussing secret information in any vehicles.
Security Guidance for Defence Staff
During a recently aired appearance on LBC, a defence minister addressed reports that MoD officials have been told not to discuss classified material while riding in Chinese cars.
The minister stated that the ministry is “examining” Chinese vehicles within its fleets, however emphasised that safety is a concern in every contemporary vehicles.
We have a collection of thousands of cars in the MoD and those vehicles represent a tiny fraction.
But whether you’re traveling in a vehicle from China or a non-Chinese car, our instruction to our staff is to avoid connecting Ministry of Defence technology into their vehicle, to avoid having discussions at a classified classification in any vehicle, because of the increasing threats of eavesdropping that exist in all automobile, to only have those confidential talks in secure locations. This is a prudent and reasonable thing for everyone concerned about security.
When it was put to him that it would be wise for the ministry to stop using every Chinese vehicles, Pollard replied: ‘That’s precisely what we’re investigating at the present time.”
Broader Security Context
The revelation follows reports from Scandinavian countries have warned the UK to the presence of multi-purpose kill switches in Chinese-made buses, which could allow China to switch off public transport and bring disruption to public transit.
Additionally, a Russia spy ship was reportedly shining lasers at RAF pilots, described as a “extremely risky” action by defence officials.
The wider defence situation highlights the importance of robust protocols and vigilance in all aspects of government operations, including vehicle use to communication practices.
