A defence official has stated that the MoD is currently investigating the potential security risks associated with Chinese cars, and personnel have been advised to refrain from talking about secret information in any vehicles.
Security Advice for MoD Personnel
In a recent interview on a radio station, a defence minister commented on reports that MoD officials have been told not to talk about secret material while riding in Chinese vehicles.
He stated that the ministry is “investigating” cars from China within its vehicle pools, but noted that safety is a issue in all modern cars.
We have a collection of thousands of vehicles in the MoD and Chinese ones represent a very small number.
However whether you’re driving a vehicle from China or a car from another country, our instruction to our people is not to plug Ministry of Defence devices into their car, not to have discussions at a secret classification in any vehicle, because of the growing risks of eavesdropping that exist in every single vehicle, to only have those secret conversations in protected areas. That’s 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 responded: ‘That’s precisely what we’re investigating at the moment.”
Wider Defence Context
The revelation follows claims from Scandinavian countries have warned the UK to the existence of multi-purpose shutdown mechanisms in Chinese electric buses, which could enable China to disable public transport and cause disruption to transport systems.
Furthermore, a Russian spy ship was reportedly shining laser beams at RAF pilots, labeled a “extremely risky” act by defence officials.
This wider security environment highlights the importance of robust protocols and vigilance in every aspects of government activities, from transport use to discussions habits.
