A defence minister has revealed that the MoD is actively examining the potential security risks associated with Chinese-made cars, and staff have been instructed to avoid talking about classified matters in all vehicles.
Safety Advice for MoD Personnel
In a recently aired interview on a radio station, a defence minister addressed claims that Ministry of Defence staff have been told not to talk about classified information while travelling in Chinese vehicles.
He said that the ministry is “investigating” cars from China within its vehicle pools, however emphasised that security is a concern in every contemporary vehicles.
Our department has a fleet of thousands of cars in the Ministry of Defence and Chinese ones represent a very small number.
But whether you’re traveling in a Chinese car or a car from another country, what we’ve asked our people is to avoid connecting Ministry of Defence technology into their car, to avoid having discussions at a classified classification in any vehicle, because of the growing threats of surveillance that exist in all automobile, to only have those confidential talks in protected areas. This is a wise and sensible thing for everyone worried about safety.
When it was suggested that it would be prudent for the MoD to stop using every Chinese vehicles, Pollard responded: ‘That’s exactly what we are looking into at the moment.”
Wider Defence Context
This announcement comes as reports from Norway and Denmark have warned the United Kingdom to the presence of multi-purpose shutdown mechanisms in Chinese-made electric buses, which could enable the Chinese government to switch off public transport and bring chaos to transport systems.
Furthermore, a Russian intelligence vessel was reportedly directing lasers at Royal Air Force pilots, labeled a “extremely risky” action by defence officials.
The broader security environment highlights the significance of robust protocols and vigilance in all aspects of official activities, from vehicle use to discussions habits.
