A defence minister has revealed that the MoD is actively examining the possible security risks associated with Chinese-made cars, while staff have been told to avoid discussing classified matters in all cars.
Safety Advice for Defence Staff
During a recent interview on a radio station, a defence minister addressed claims that Ministry of Defence officials have been told not to discuss classified information while riding in Chinese cars.
The minister stated that the MoD is “examining” cars from China within its vehicle pools, but stressed that security is a issue in all modern vehicles.
We have a fleet of thousands of vehicles in the MoD and those vehicles account for a tiny fraction.
But whether you’re traveling in a Chinese car 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 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 anyone worried about security.
When it was put to him that it would be prudent for the MoD to stop using all Chinese vehicles, Pollard replied: ‘That’s exactly what we’re investigating at the present time.”
Wider Security Context
The announcement comes as reports from Norway and Denmark have alerted the United Kingdom to the existence of multi-purpose kill switches in Chinese electric buses, which could allow China to switch off public transport and bring chaos to transport systems.
Furthermore, a Russian intelligence vessel was reportedly shining laser beams at Royal Air Force aircrew, labeled a “extremely risky” act by defence officials.
The wider defence environment underscores the importance of strong protocols and vigilance in all aspects of official activities, including transport usage to discussions practices.
