An defence minister has stated that the MoD is actively examining the possible security risks posed by Chinese cars, while personnel have been instructed to avoid talking about classified information in all vehicles.
Security Guidance for Defence Staff
In a recent interview on LBC, a defence minister addressed claims that MoD staff have been instructed not to discuss secret material while riding in Chinese cars.
He said that the ministry is “examining” cars from China within its vehicle pools, but emphasised that security is a issue in all modern cars.
We have a collection of tens of thousands of vehicles in the MoD and Chinese ones account for a very small number.
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 vehicle, to avoid having discussions at a secret classification in any kind of vehicle, due to the increasing risks of eavesdropping that are present in every single automobile, to restrict those secret conversations in protected areas. That’s a wise and sensible thing for anyone worried about safety.
When it was suggested that it would be prudent for the MoD to stop using all cars from China, Pollard replied: ‘That’s exactly what we are looking into at the moment.”
Broader Defence Background
This announcement comes as reports from Norway and Denmark have warned the United Kingdom to the existence of dual-use kill switches in Chinese-made buses, which could enable China to switch off public transport and cause chaos to public transit.
Additionally, a Russian spy ship was reportedly directing laser beams at RAF pilots, labeled a “extremely risky” action by government representatives.
This wider security situation underscores the significance of strong measures and vigilance in every aspects of official activities, from transport use to discussions practices.
