A defense minister has revealed that the Ministry of Defence is currently looking into the possible security risks posed by Chinese vehicles, while personnel have been instructed to refrain from discussing classified matters in any cars.
Security Guidance for MoD Personnel
In a recently aired appearance on LBC, a defence minister commented on reports that Ministry of Defence staff have been told not to talk about secret information while travelling in China-made vehicles.
He said that the MoD is “examining” cars from China within its fleets, however stressed that security is a concern in all modern vehicles.
We have a fleet of tens of thousands of cars in the MoD and Chinese ones account for a very small number.
But whether you’re traveling in a vehicle from China or a non-Chinese car, what we’ve asked our people is to avoid connecting MoD technology into their vehicle, not to have discussions at a secret level in any vehicle, because of the increasing risks of eavesdropping that exist in all vehicle, to restrict those confidential talks in secure locations. That’s a wise and sensible thing for everyone concerned about security.
When it was suggested that it would be wise for the MoD to cease using all cars from China, Pollard responded: ‘That’s precisely what we are looking into at the moment.”
Broader Defence Context
This announcement comes as reports from Scandinavian countries have warned the United Kingdom to the existence of multi-purpose shutdown mechanisms in Chinese-made electric buses, which could allow the Chinese government to disable buses and cause chaos to public transit.
Additionally, a Russian intelligence vessel has been directing lasers at RAF aircrew, described as a “highly dangerous” act by defence officials.
The wider security situation highlights the importance of robust measures and caution in all aspects of official operations, including vehicle use to communication practices.
