An defense minister has stated that the MoD is currently examining the possible security risks posed by Chinese-made vehicles, while staff have been told to refrain from discussing secret matters in any cars.
Security Guidance for Defence Personnel
In a recent interview on a radio station, a defence minister addressed claims that Ministry of Defence officials have been instructed not to discuss classified information while riding in China-made cars.
The minister explained that the MoD is “examining” cars from China within its fleets, but emphasised that security is a issue in every contemporary vehicles.
Our department has a fleet of tens of thousands of vehicles in the Ministry of Defence and those vehicles account for a very small number.
However regardless of if you’re driving a Chinese car or a non-Chinese car, what we’ve asked our staff is to avoid connecting MoD technology into their vehicle, not to have discussions at a classified classification in any kind of vehicle, because of the growing risks of eavesdropping that are present in all automobile, to only have those confidential talks in protected areas. That’s a prudent and sensible thing for everyone worried about security.
After it was put to him that it would be prudent for the MoD to cease using every Chinese vehicles, Pollard replied: ‘That’s precisely what we’re investigating at the present time.”
Wider Defence Background
This announcement comes as reports from Norway and Denmark have warned the UK to the presence of dual-use kill switches in Chinese buses, which could allow China to disable buses and bring disruption to transport systems.
Additionally, a Russian spy ship was reportedly directing lasers at Royal Air Force pilots, described as a “highly dangerous” act by defence officials.
The broader defence situation underscores the importance of robust measures and caution in all aspects of government activities, including vehicle use to communication habits.
