An defense minister has revealed that the MoD is currently investigating the possible threats posed by Chinese vehicles, while staff have been instructed to refrain from talking about classified information in any vehicles.
Security Guidance for MoD Personnel
During a recent appearance on LBC, a defence minister addressed reports that Ministry of Defence officials have been instructed not to talk about secret information while travelling in Chinese cars.
He said that the MoD is “investigating” Chinese vehicles within its fleets, but emphasised that safety is a concern in all contemporary vehicles.
Our department has a fleet of thousands of vehicles in the MoD and those vehicles account for a very small number.
However whether you’re driving a vehicle from China or a car from another country, what we’ve asked our staff is to avoid connecting MoD devices into their vehicle, to avoid having conversations at a secret level in any kind of vehicle, due to the growing risks of eavesdropping that are present in all vehicle, to only have those confidential talks in protected areas. This is a prudent and sensible thing for anyone concerned about safety.
After it was put to him that it would be wise for the ministry to stop using all cars from China, Pollard responded: That is exactly what we’re investigating at the present time.”
Broader Defence Context
This revelation follows claims from Norway and Denmark have alerted the UK to the existence of dual-use shutdown mechanisms in Chinese-made electric buses, which could allow the Chinese government to switch off public transport and bring disruption to public transit.
Furthermore, a Russian intelligence vessel has been shining lasers at RAF pilots, labeled a “extremely risky” action by government representatives.
The wider security environment underscores the importance of strong measures and vigilance in all areas of official operations, from transport use to communication practices.
