A defense minister has stated that the MoD is currently looking into the possible threats associated with Chinese cars, and personnel have been advised to avoid discussing classified matters in all vehicles.
Security Advice for MoD Personnel
In a recent interview on LBC, a defence minister commented on claims that Ministry of Defence officials have been instructed not to talk about classified material while travelling in China-made vehicles.
The minister explained that the ministry is “investigating” cars from China within its vehicle pools, but stressed that security is a issue in all contemporary cars.
Our department has a fleet of tens of thousands of cars in the MoD and those vehicles represent a very small number.
However whether you’re driving a Chinese car or a car from another country, our instruction to our people is not to plug Ministry of Defence devices into their car, not to have conversations at a classified level in any vehicle, because of the increasing threats of eavesdropping that exist in all vehicle, to only have those confidential talks in protected areas. That’s a wise and sensible thing for anyone worried about safety.
When it was put to him that it would be wise for the MoD to cease using all Chinese vehicles, Pollard replied: That is precisely what we’re investigating at the moment.”
Wider Security Context
This revelation follows claims from Norway and Denmark have alerted the United Kingdom to the existence of multi-purpose shutdown mechanisms in Chinese electric buses, which could allow the Chinese government to disable public transport and bring chaos to transport systems.
Additionally, a Russia intelligence vessel was reportedly directing lasers at Royal Air Force aircrew, described as a “extremely risky” action by defence officials.
This wider security environment highlights the significance of robust measures and vigilance in all aspects of government activities, including vehicle usage to discussions practices.
