An defense minister has stated that the MoD is currently examining the possible security risks posed by Chinese vehicles, while personnel have been instructed to refrain from discussing classified matters in all vehicles.
Safety Advice for MoD Personnel
During a recent appearance on LBC, a defence minister commented on reports that MoD staff have been told not to discuss secret material while riding in China-made vehicles.
He explained that the ministry is “looking into” Chinese vehicles within its vehicle pools, however noted that security is a concern in every modern cars.
We have a fleet of tens of thousands of cars in the Ministry of Defence and Chinese ones account for a tiny fraction.
However regardless of if you’re driving a Chinese car or a car from another country, our instruction to our people is not to plug MoD technology into their vehicle, to avoid having discussions at a secret level in any kind of vehicle, due to the increasing threats of eavesdropping that exist in all automobile, to only have those confidential talks in protected areas. That’s a wise and reasonable thing for everyone worried about safety.
After it was put to him that it would be wise for the ministry to cease using all Chinese vehicles, Pollard replied: ‘That’s precisely what we’re investigating at the present time.”
Wider Security Background
The revelation comes as claims from Norway and Denmark have warned the UK to the existence of dual-use shutdown mechanisms in Chinese-made buses, which could allow the Chinese government to switch off public transport and bring chaos to transport systems.
Furthermore, a Russian spy ship was reportedly shining laser beams at Royal Air Force aircrew, described as a “highly dangerous” action by defence officials.
This broader security situation highlights the importance of robust protocols and vigilance in every areas of government activities, including transport use to communication habits.
