An defence minister has stated that the MoD is actively examining the potential security risks associated with Chinese-made vehicles, and personnel have been instructed to refrain from discussing secret information in any vehicles.
Security Guidance for Defence Staff
In a recently aired interview on a radio station, a defence minister addressed reports that MoD staff have been instructed not to discuss classified material while travelling in China-made vehicles.
The minister stated that the MoD is “investigating” cars from China within its vehicle pools, however noted that safety is a concern in all contemporary cars.
Our department has a collection of thousands of cars in the Ministry of Defence and Chinese ones account for a very small number.
However whether you’re driving a Chinese car or a non-Chinese car, what we’ve asked our staff is to avoid connecting MoD devices into their car, to avoid having discussions at a classified level in any vehicle, due to the growing risks of surveillance that exist in every single automobile, to only have those confidential talks in secure locations. This is a prudent and sensible thing for everyone concerned about security.
When it was put to him that it would be wise for the MoD to stop using every Chinese vehicles, Pollard responded: That is precisely what we’re investigating at the moment.”
Wider Defence Context
This revelation comes as claims from Norway and Denmark have warned the United Kingdom to the existence of dual-use kill switches in Chinese electric buses, which could allow China to disable buses and cause disruption to transport systems.
Additionally, a Russia intelligence vessel was reportedly shining lasers at Royal Air Force pilots, described as a “highly dangerous” action by government representatives.
The broader defence environment underscores the importance of robust measures and vigilance in all aspects of government operations, from vehicle use to communication habits.
