An defense minister has confirmed that the MoD is actively looking into the potential threats associated with Chinese-made vehicles, while staff have been told to refrain from talking about secret information in all cars.
Security Guidance for MoD Personnel
During a recently aired appearance on a radio station, a defence minister commented on claims that Ministry of Defence officials have been instructed not to discuss secret material while travelling in China-made cars.
The minister said that the ministry is “examining” Chinese vehicles within its vehicle pools, however emphasised that safety is a concern in all contemporary cars.
We have a collection of thousands of cars in the MoD and those vehicles account for a tiny fraction.
However whether you’re traveling in a vehicle from China or a car from another country, what we’ve asked our people is to avoid connecting Ministry of Defence technology into their vehicle, not to have conversations at a classified classification in any kind of vehicle, because of the increasing risks of surveillance that are present in all automobile, to restrict those confidential talks 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 wise for the ministry to stop using all Chinese vehicles, Pollard responded: That is precisely what we’re investigating at the moment.”
Broader Security Background
The revelation follows reports from Scandinavian countries have warned the United Kingdom to the existence of dual-use kill switches in Chinese electric buses, which could enable China to switch off public transport and bring disruption to transport systems.
Furthermore, a Russian intelligence vessel was reportedly shining laser beams at RAF aircrew, described as a “highly dangerous” act by defence officials.
The wider security environment highlights the significance of robust protocols and vigilance in all areas of government activities, including vehicle usage to communication habits.
