An defence minister has stated that the Ministry of Defence is actively investigating the potential security risks posed by Chinese cars, while personnel have been instructed to avoid discussing secret information in any vehicles.
Security Guidance for MoD Staff
During a recent interview on LBC, a defence minister commented on claims that Ministry of Defence staff have been instructed not to discuss classified material while riding in China-made cars.
He said that the ministry is “investigating” cars from China within its fleets, however stressed that security is a concern in all contemporary vehicles.
Our department has a fleet of tens of thousands of vehicles in the MoD and Chinese ones represent a tiny fraction.
However whether you’re traveling in a Chinese car or a non-Chinese car, what we’ve asked our people is to avoid connecting MoD devices into their car, not to have conversations at a classified level in any kind of vehicle, because of the increasing risks of surveillance that are present in every single automobile, to only have those confidential conversations in secure locations. That’s a wise and sensible thing for everyone concerned about security.
After it was suggested that it would be prudent for the ministry to stop using all Chinese vehicles, Pollard replied: That is precisely what we’re investigating at the present time.”
Wider Defence Context
The revelation follows claims from Norway and Denmark have warned the United Kingdom to the existence of multi-purpose shutdown mechanisms in Chinese-made electric buses, which could allow China to switch off public transport and bring chaos to transport systems.
Additionally, a Russia intelligence vessel was reportedly shining lasers at Royal Air Force pilots, labeled a “highly dangerous” act by government representatives.
The broader security environment highlights the significance of strong measures and vigilance in all areas of government activities, including vehicle usage to discussions habits.
