A defence minister has revealed that the MoD is currently investigating the possible security risks associated with Chinese cars, and staff have been advised to avoid discussing classified information in all cars.
Security Guidance for Defence Staff
During a recently aired interview on a radio station, a defence minister commented on reports that MoD staff have been instructed not to discuss secret material while travelling in China-made vehicles.
The minister explained that the MoD is “investigating” Chinese vehicles within its fleets, however noted that safety is a issue in all contemporary cars.
Our department has 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 car from another country, our instruction to our staff is not to plug MoD technology into their car, to avoid having discussions at a secret level in any vehicle, because of the increasing risks of eavesdropping that exist in all vehicle, to only have those secret talks in secure locations. This is a wise and reasonable thing for everyone worried about safety.
When it was put to him that it would be prudent for the MoD to stop using every Chinese vehicles, Pollard replied: ‘That’s precisely what we’re investigating at the moment.”
Broader Security Background
The revelation follows claims from Norway and Denmark have warned the UK to the existence of dual-use shutdown mechanisms in Chinese electric buses, which could enable the Chinese government to switch off buses and bring disruption to transport systems.
Additionally, a Russian spy ship has been shining lasers at RAF pilots, labeled a “highly dangerous” action by defence officials.
The broader security situation highlights the significance of strong measures and vigilance in all areas of official activities, including vehicle use to communication habits.
