An defence minister has revealed that the MoD is actively investigating the possible security risks associated with Chinese vehicles, while personnel have been instructed to avoid talking about classified information in any cars.
Security Advice for MoD Staff
During a recently aired appearance on a radio station, a defence minister addressed claims that MoD staff have been instructed not to discuss classified material while travelling in Chinese vehicles.
He explained that the ministry is “looking into” Chinese vehicles within its vehicle pools, but noted that safety is a concern in all modern vehicles.
Our department has a collection of thousands of vehicles in the Ministry of Defence and Chinese ones account for a very small number.
However whether you’re traveling in a vehicle from China or a car from another country, what we’ve asked our people is to avoid connecting Ministry of Defence devices into their vehicle, to avoid having conversations at a secret level in any kind of car, due to the increasing threats of surveillance that exist in every single vehicle, to only have those secret talks in secure locations. This is a prudent and sensible thing for anyone concerned about security.
When it was suggested that it would be prudent for the ministry to cease using all cars from China, Pollard replied: That is exactly what we’re investigating at the moment.”
Broader Security Background
This announcement follows claims from Norway and Denmark have alerted the UK to the existence of multi-purpose shutdown mechanisms in Chinese-made buses, which could enable the Chinese government to switch off public transport and bring chaos to transport systems.
Additionally, a Russia intelligence vessel has been directing lasers at RAF aircrew, labeled a “extremely risky” act by government representatives.
This wider security situation underscores the significance of robust measures and caution in all areas of government operations, including transport use to discussions habits.
