An defense official has confirmed that the MoD is currently looking into the possible security risks associated with Chinese cars, and personnel have been told to avoid discussing classified information in all vehicles.
Safety Advice for MoD Personnel
During a recent interview on LBC, a defence minister commented on reports that Ministry of Defence staff have been told not to discuss secret information while travelling in Chinese cars.
He said that the MoD is “examining” cars from China within its vehicle pools, but stressed that safety is a issue in all modern vehicles.
Our department has a fleet of thousands of vehicles in the Ministry of Defence and those vehicles account for 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 staff is to avoid connecting MoD technology into their vehicle, not to have conversations at a classified level in any car, because of the growing threats of surveillance that exist in all automobile, to only have those confidential conversations in secure locations. This is a prudent and reasonable thing for everyone concerned about security.
After it was suggested that it would be wise for the MoD to cease using every cars from China, Pollard replied: ‘That’s exactly what we’re investigating at the present time.”
Wider Security Background
The announcement follows reports from Norway and Denmark have warned the UK to the existence of multi-purpose shutdown mechanisms in Chinese-made buses, which could allow China to disable buses and cause chaos to transport systems.
Additionally, a Russian intelligence vessel has been directing lasers at RAF pilots, labeled a “highly dangerous” act by defence officials.
This wider defence environment underscores the importance of robust measures and caution in all aspects of official operations, including transport use to discussions practices.
