A defence official has confirmed that the MoD is actively investigating the possible security risks associated with Chinese-made vehicles, while personnel have been instructed to refrain from discussing secret matters in any cars.
Safety Guidance for MoD Personnel
During a recent appearance on a radio station, a defence minister addressed reports that MoD officials have been instructed not to discuss classified material while travelling in China-made cars.
He explained that the MoD is “investigating” Chinese vehicles within its fleets, but noted that security is a issue in all modern vehicles.
We have a collection of tens of thousands of cars in the MoD and those vehicles represent a very small number.
But regardless of if you’re driving a vehicle from China or a non-Chinese car, what we’ve asked our people is to avoid connecting Ministry of Defence technology into their vehicle, to avoid having discussions at a classified classification in any kind of car, due to the increasing risks of eavesdropping that exist in every single vehicle, to only have those confidential conversations in secure locations. This is a wise and sensible thing for anyone concerned about safety.
When it was put to him that it would be prudent for the ministry to stop using every cars from China, Pollard responded: ‘That’s precisely what we’re investigating at the present time.”
Broader Security Background
The revelation follows reports from Norway and Denmark have alerted the United Kingdom to the presence of multi-purpose shutdown mechanisms in Chinese-made buses, which could allow China to switch off public transport and bring chaos to public transit.
Additionally, a Russia intelligence vessel was reportedly directing lasers at Royal Air Force aircrew, described as a “highly dangerous” act by defence officials.
The broader security situation highlights the importance of robust measures and vigilance in all aspects of official operations, including vehicle use to discussions habits.
