A defense official has stated that the Ministry of Defence is actively investigating the possible security risks associated with Chinese vehicles, and personnel have been instructed to avoid talking about secret matters in all cars.
Security Guidance for Defence Personnel
During a recent interview on a radio station, a defence minister commented on claims that MoD staff have been instructed not to talk about secret material while travelling in Chinese vehicles.
The minister explained that the ministry is “examining” cars from China within its fleets, but noted that security is a concern in all contemporary cars.
We have a fleet of thousands of cars in the Ministry of Defence and those vehicles 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 staff is to avoid connecting MoD devices into their car, to avoid having conversations at a secret classification in any kind of vehicle, because of the increasing threats of eavesdropping that are present in every single vehicle, to restrict those secret talks in secure locations. This is a wise and sensible thing for anyone concerned about security.
After it was suggested that it would be prudent for the MoD to stop using every Chinese vehicles, Pollard responded: ‘That’s precisely what we’re investigating at the moment.”
Wider Security Background
The announcement comes as reports from Norway and Denmark have warned the United Kingdom to the presence of dual-use kill switches in Chinese-made electric buses, which could allow the Chinese government to switch off buses and bring disruption to public transit.
Furthermore, a Russian spy ship was reportedly shining lasers at RAF pilots, labeled a “extremely risky” act by defence officials.
This wider defence environment underscores the importance of strong protocols and vigilance in every areas of government activities, from vehicle use to discussions habits.
