An defence official has confirmed that the Ministry of Defence is currently examining the possible threats associated with Chinese-made vehicles, while personnel have been advised to avoid talking about classified information in all vehicles.
Security Advice for MoD Staff
In a recently aired appearance on a radio station, a defence minister commented on claims that Ministry of Defence staff have been instructed not to discuss secret information while travelling in Chinese vehicles.
He stated that the MoD is “examining” Chinese vehicles within its fleets, but stressed that security is a concern in all contemporary cars.
We have a fleet of thousands of vehicles in the MoD and Chinese ones represent a tiny fraction.
But whether you’re driving a Chinese car or a non-Chinese car, what we’ve asked our staff is to avoid connecting Ministry of Defence devices into their car, to avoid having discussions at a classified classification in any vehicle, because of the growing risks of surveillance that exist in all vehicle, to only have those secret conversations in protected areas. This is a wise and reasonable thing for anyone worried about security.
After it was suggested that it would be wise for the MoD to stop using all cars from China, Pollard responded: ‘That’s exactly what we are looking into at the moment.”
Broader Security Background
This revelation follows claims from Scandinavian countries have alerted the United Kingdom to the existence of multi-purpose kill switches in Chinese buses, which could enable China to disable buses and cause chaos to transport systems.
Additionally, a Russian intelligence vessel was reportedly directing lasers at RAF aircrew, labeled a “highly dangerous” act by government representatives.
The wider security environment highlights the significance of robust protocols and vigilance in every areas of government activities, from transport use to discussions practices.
