A defense official has revealed that the MoD is actively examining the potential security risks posed by Chinese vehicles, while staff have been advised to avoid talking about classified information in any cars.
Safety Guidance for Defence Personnel
During a recent interview on a radio station, a defence minister addressed claims that Ministry of Defence staff have been instructed not to talk about classified material while riding in Chinese vehicles.
The minister explained that the MoD is “examining” Chinese vehicles within its vehicle pools, however noted that security is a issue in all contemporary cars.
We have a collection of thousands of cars in the Ministry of Defence and those vehicles account for a very small number.
However whether you’re traveling in a Chinese car or a car from another country, our instruction to our people is not to plug MoD technology into their vehicle, to avoid having discussions at a secret level in any vehicle, due to the increasing risks of surveillance that exist in every single automobile, to restrict those confidential conversations in protected areas. That’s a wise and sensible thing for anyone concerned about security.
When it was put to him that it would be wise for the MoD to cease using every Chinese vehicles, Pollard responded: That is precisely what we’re investigating at the moment.”
Wider Security Background
This revelation comes as claims from Scandinavian countries have warned the United Kingdom to the presence of dual-use kill switches in Chinese buses, which could allow China to switch off buses and bring chaos to public transit.
Additionally, a Russia spy ship was reportedly shining lasers at RAF aircrew, described as a “highly dangerous” action by government representatives.
This broader security situation underscores the significance of robust measures and vigilance in all areas of official operations, including vehicle usage to discussions practices.
