An defence minister has confirmed that the MoD is currently investigating the possible security risks associated with Chinese vehicles, while staff have been told to refrain from discussing secret matters in any cars.
Security Guidance for Defence Staff
During a recently aired appearance on LBC, a defence minister commented on claims that Ministry of Defence officials have been told not to talk about secret information while travelling in China-made cars.
He explained that the MoD is “looking into” cars from China within its fleets, but stressed that security is a issue in all contemporary vehicles.
Our department has a collection of thousands of cars in the MoD and Chinese ones account for a very small number.
But whether you’re driving a Chinese car or a non-Chinese car, what we’ve asked our staff is not to plug MoD devices into their car, not to have conversations at a classified classification in any vehicle, due to the growing threats of surveillance that are present in all automobile, to only have those secret talks in protected areas. That’s a prudent and reasonable thing for anyone concerned about security.
When it was suggested that it would be wise for the ministry to stop using every cars from China, Pollard replied: ‘That’s precisely what we’re investigating at the present time.”
Broader Security Background
The announcement comes as claims from Scandinavian countries 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 cause disruption to public transit.
Furthermore, a Russia spy ship has been shining lasers at Royal Air Force aircrew, described as a “highly dangerous” act by government representatives.
This broader defence environment highlights the importance of strong protocols and vigilance in all aspects of official operations, including vehicle use to discussions habits.
