An defense minister has revealed that the MoD is actively looking into the possible threats posed by Chinese vehicles, while staff have been advised to refrain from talking about classified matters in all cars.
Security Guidance for MoD Personnel
During a recent interview on a radio station, a defence minister commented on reports that MoD staff have been told not to discuss classified information while travelling in China-made vehicles.
The minister said that the ministry is “investigating” Chinese vehicles within its fleets, however stressed that security is a issue in every contemporary vehicles.
We have a fleet of thousands of vehicles in the MoD and Chinese ones account for a very small number.
But whether you’re traveling in a Chinese car or a non-Chinese car, our instruction to our people is to avoid connecting MoD technology into their car, not to have conversations at a classified level in any vehicle, because of the growing risks of surveillance that exist in all automobile, to restrict those secret conversations in protected areas. That’s a prudent and sensible thing for anyone concerned about security.
After it was put to him that it would be prudent for the ministry to cease using all Chinese vehicles, Pollard replied: That is exactly what we are looking into at the present time.”
Wider Defence Context
The announcement follows reports from Scandinavian countries have alerted the United Kingdom to the presence of multi-purpose kill switches in Chinese electric buses, which could allow China to switch off public transport and bring disruption to transport systems.
Additionally, a Russia intelligence vessel has been directing laser beams at Royal Air Force aircrew, described as a “extremely risky” action by defence officials.
The wider defence environment highlights the importance of robust protocols and caution in every aspects of government activities, from vehicle usage to discussions habits.
