An defence minister has confirmed that the MoD is currently investigating the possible security risks associated with Chinese-made cars, while personnel have been advised to refrain from talking about secret information in any cars.
Security Advice for Defence Staff
In a recent interview on LBC, a defence minister commented on claims that MoD staff have been instructed not to discuss secret information while travelling in China-made cars.
He stated that the ministry is “examining” Chinese vehicles within its vehicle pools, but emphasised that security is a issue in all modern vehicles.
Our department has a fleet of thousands of vehicles in the Ministry of Defence and Chinese ones represent a very small number.
However regardless of if you’re traveling in a Chinese car or a non-Chinese car, what we’ve asked our staff is not to plug MoD technology into their vehicle, to avoid having discussions at a secret classification in any car, due to the growing threats of surveillance that exist in all automobile, to restrict those confidential talks in protected areas. This is a prudent and reasonable thing for anyone concerned about security.
When it was put to him that it would be prudent for the ministry to stop using all cars from China, Pollard replied: That is precisely what we are looking into at the present time.”
Wider Security Context
The announcement comes as reports from Norway and Denmark have warned the UK to the existence of multi-purpose shutdown mechanisms in Chinese buses, which could allow the Chinese government to disable public transport and cause disruption to transport systems.
Additionally, a Russian spy ship was reportedly directing laser beams at RAF aircrew, labeled a “extremely risky” action by defence officials.
The broader security environment highlights the importance of strong protocols and caution in every aspects of government operations, including vehicle use to discussions practices.
