A defense official has confirmed that the MoD is actively looking into the potential threats associated with Chinese-made vehicles, while staff have been instructed to avoid discussing classified information in all vehicles.
Security Advice for MoD Personnel
In a recently aired interview on a radio station, a defence minister addressed reports that Ministry of Defence staff have been instructed not to discuss classified material while travelling in Chinese cars.
He said that the ministry is “investigating” cars from China within its fleets, but noted that security is a concern in all contemporary cars.
Our department has a fleet of tens of thousands of cars in the MoD and those vehicles represent a very small number.
But regardless of if you’re traveling in a vehicle from China or a non-Chinese car, what we’ve asked our people is to avoid connecting Ministry of Defence devices into their car, not to have discussions at a classified classification in any vehicle, due to the increasing risks of eavesdropping that are present in all automobile, to only have those confidential talks in secure locations. That’s a prudent and reasonable thing for anyone worried about safety.
When it was put to him that it would be prudent for the ministry to stop using every Chinese vehicles, Pollard replied: That is exactly what we are looking into at the moment.”
Wider Defence Context
This announcement comes as claims from Norway and Denmark have warned the UK to the existence of multi-purpose shutdown mechanisms in Chinese-made buses, which could enable China to switch off public transport and cause chaos to public transit.
Furthermore, a Russian spy ship has been directing laser beams at RAF pilots, described as a “highly dangerous” act by defence officials.
This wider defence situation highlights the importance of strong protocols and caution in all aspects of government activities, from vehicle use to communication practices.
