An defence official has confirmed that the Ministry of Defence is actively examining the potential security risks posed by Chinese vehicles, while staff have been advised to avoid discussing classified matters in all cars.
Security Guidance for Defence Staff
In a recent appearance on a radio station, a defence minister addressed claims that MoD officials have been told not to discuss classified material while travelling in China-made vehicles.
The minister said that the MoD is “looking into” cars from China within its vehicle pools, but noted that security is a concern in every modern cars.
We have a fleet of thousands of vehicles in the Ministry of Defence and Chinese ones account for a tiny fraction.
However regardless of if you’re traveling in a vehicle from China or a non-Chinese car, our instruction to our staff is to avoid connecting MoD technology into their car, to avoid having conversations at a classified level in any kind of car, because of the growing threats of eavesdropping that exist in all vehicle, to restrict those confidential conversations in secure locations. This is a wise and sensible thing for anyone worried about safety.
When it was put to him that it would be prudent for the MoD to stop using every Chinese vehicles, Pollard replied: That is precisely what we’re investigating at the moment.”
Broader Defence Background
This revelation comes as reports from Norway and Denmark have warned the UK to the presence of multi-purpose kill switches in Chinese-made electric buses, which could allow the Chinese government to switch off buses and cause disruption to transport systems.
Additionally, a Russia intelligence vessel has been shining lasers at RAF pilots, labeled a “highly dangerous” act by defence officials.
The broader defence situation underscores the importance of robust measures and vigilance in every areas of official operations, including vehicle use to communication practices.
