A defense official has revealed that the MoD is currently investigating the possible threats posed by Chinese-made vehicles, and staff have been advised to avoid talking about classified information in all cars.
Security Guidance for Defence Personnel
In a recently aired interview on LBC, a defence minister commented on claims that MoD staff have been instructed not to talk about secret information while riding in Chinese vehicles.
He explained that the MoD is “examining” Chinese vehicles within its vehicle pools, but stressed that security is a concern in all modern vehicles.
Our department has a fleet of tens of thousands of cars in the MoD and those vehicles account for a very small number.
However regardless of if you’re traveling in a Chinese car or a non-Chinese car, our instruction to our staff is to avoid connecting Ministry of Defence technology into their car, to avoid having discussions at a secret level in any kind of vehicle, because of the increasing threats of surveillance that exist in all automobile, to restrict those secret talks in secure locations. That’s a wise and reasonable thing for anyone concerned about security.
When it was suggested that it would be prudent for the MoD to cease using every cars from China, Pollard replied: ‘That’s exactly what we are looking into at the moment.”
Wider Security Background
The revelation follows claims from Norway and Denmark have alerted the United Kingdom to the presence of dual-use shutdown mechanisms in Chinese buses, which could allow China to switch off public transport and cause disruption to public transit.
Furthermore, a Russia intelligence vessel was reportedly directing laser beams at RAF aircrew, labeled a “extremely risky” act by government representatives.
The broader security environment highlights the importance of strong measures and vigilance in every aspects of government operations, including transport use to discussions practices.
