An defense official has confirmed that the MoD is currently looking into the possible security risks associated with Chinese-made vehicles, while personnel have been instructed to avoid talking about secret matters in any cars.
Security Guidance for Defence Staff
During a recent appearance on a radio station, a defence minister addressed reports that Ministry of Defence officials have been told not to talk about secret material while travelling in Chinese vehicles.
The minister said that the MoD is “examining” cars from China within its vehicle pools, however noted that safety is a concern in every contemporary vehicles.
We have a fleet of thousands of vehicles in the Ministry of Defence and Chinese ones represent a very small number.
But whether you’re traveling in a vehicle from China or a non-Chinese car, our instruction to our staff is not to plug MoD technology into their car, to avoid having discussions at a classified level in any car, because of the increasing threats of eavesdropping that exist in every single automobile, to only have those secret talks in secure locations. That’s a wise and reasonable thing for anyone worried about safety.
When it was suggested 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 Defence Background
This revelation follows claims from Scandinavian countries have warned the United Kingdom to the existence of multi-purpose kill switches in Chinese-made electric buses, which could allow China to disable public transport and bring chaos to transport systems.
Furthermore, a Russia intelligence vessel has been directing laser beams at RAF pilots, labeled a “extremely risky” act by defence officials.
The broader security environment highlights the significance of strong protocols and caution in all areas of government activities, including transport usage to discussions habits.
