A defense official has confirmed that the MoD is actively investigating the possible security risks associated with Chinese vehicles, and personnel have been instructed to refrain from discussing secret matters in all vehicles.
Security Guidance for MoD Staff
During a recent appearance on a radio station, a defence minister addressed reports that MoD staff have been told not to talk about secret information while travelling in China-made vehicles.
The minister explained that the MoD is “examining” Chinese vehicles within its fleets, but emphasised that safety is a issue in all contemporary vehicles.
Our department has a fleet of tens of thousands of cars in the MoD and those vehicles account for a tiny fraction.
However regardless of if you’re traveling in a vehicle from China or a car from another country, what we’ve asked our staff is not to plug MoD devices into their car, to avoid having conversations at a classified classification in any car, due to the growing risks of eavesdropping that are present in all automobile, to restrict those confidential talks in protected areas. That’s a prudent and reasonable thing for everyone concerned about security.
After it was suggested that it would be wise for the ministry to stop using every cars from China, Pollard responded: That is precisely what we are looking into at the present time.”
Wider Security Background
The revelation follows claims from Norway and Denmark have warned the UK to the existence of multi-purpose kill switches in Chinese-made buses, which could allow the Chinese government to disable buses and bring chaos to public transit.
Furthermore, a Russia intelligence vessel has been directing laser beams at Royal Air Force aircrew, described as a “highly dangerous” act by defence officials.
This broader security environment highlights the importance of robust measures and vigilance in all areas of official activities, including vehicle usage to communication habits.
