A defence official has confirmed that the MoD is actively investigating the possible security risks associated with Chinese-made cars, and staff have been instructed to refrain from discussing secret matters in any vehicles.
Security Advice for Defence Personnel
During a recent interview on LBC, a defence minister commented on claims that Ministry of Defence staff have been instructed not to talk about secret material while riding in Chinese cars.
The minister stated that the MoD is “looking into” cars from China within its vehicle pools, however stressed that security is a concern in every contemporary cars.
Our department has a fleet of thousands of vehicles in the MoD and those vehicles account for a very small number.
However regardless of if you’re driving a Chinese car or a non-Chinese car, what we’ve asked our people is to avoid connecting MoD technology into their car, to avoid having discussions at a secret classification in any kind of vehicle, due to the increasing risks of eavesdropping that are present in every single automobile, to only have those secret conversations in protected areas. This is a wise and reasonable thing for everyone worried about safety.
When it was put to him that it would be wise for the ministry to cease using every cars from China, Pollard replied: ‘That’s precisely what we are looking into at the present time.”
Wider Defence Background
This revelation comes as claims from Scandinavian countries have warned the UK to the existence of multi-purpose kill switches in Chinese electric buses, which could allow China to disable public transport and bring chaos to transport systems.
Additionally, a Russia intelligence vessel was reportedly shining lasers at Royal Air Force aircrew, described as a “highly dangerous” act by government representatives.
The wider security environment underscores the importance of robust protocols and caution in all areas of government activities, including vehicle usage to communication practices.
