A defense official has revealed that the Ministry of Defence is currently examining the possible security risks posed by Chinese cars, while staff have been instructed to refrain from talking about classified matters in all cars.
Security Advice for MoD Staff
In a recent interview on LBC, a defence minister commented on reports that Ministry of Defence staff have been told not to talk about secret material while riding in Chinese vehicles.
He stated that the ministry is “looking into” Chinese vehicles within its fleets, but emphasised that security is a concern in every modern cars.
We have a fleet of tens of thousands of vehicles in the MoD and those vehicles represent a tiny fraction.
But whether you’re driving a vehicle from China or a non-Chinese car, what we’ve asked our people is not to plug MoD technology into their vehicle, to avoid having discussions at a secret classification in any kind of vehicle, due to the growing threats of surveillance that are present in every single vehicle, to only have those confidential conversations in secure locations. This is a wise and reasonable thing for anyone worried about security.
When it was put to him that it would be prudent for the ministry to cease using all cars from China, Pollard responded: That is precisely what we’re investigating at the present time.”
Wider Defence Context
This revelation comes as claims from Norway and Denmark have warned the UK to the existence of multi-purpose shutdown mechanisms in Chinese-made electric buses, which could allow the Chinese government to switch off public transport and cause chaos to public transit.
Furthermore, a Russia intelligence vessel was reportedly directing laser beams at Royal Air Force pilots, described as a “highly dangerous” act by defence officials.
The broader security environment underscores the significance of robust measures and vigilance in all areas of government operations, including vehicle usage to discussions practices.
