An defense official has stated that the MoD is actively investigating the possible security risks posed by Chinese-made cars, while staff have been advised to avoid discussing secret matters in any cars.
Security Advice for Defence Staff
During a recent appearance on a radio station, a defence minister addressed claims that Ministry of Defence officials have been instructed not to talk about classified material while travelling in Chinese cars.
He stated that the ministry is “examining” Chinese vehicles within its vehicle pools, however noted that safety is a concern in every modern cars.
Our department has a fleet of thousands of vehicles in the Ministry of Defence and Chinese ones represent a tiny fraction.
But regardless of if you’re traveling in a Chinese car or a car from another country, what we’ve asked our staff is not to plug MoD devices into their car, to avoid having discussions at a classified level in any kind of car, due to the growing threats of surveillance that are present in every single vehicle, to only have those confidential conversations in protected areas. This is a prudent and sensible thing for everyone concerned about security.
When it was put to him that it would be wise for the ministry to cease using all cars from China, Pollard replied: ‘That’s exactly what we’re investigating at the present time.”
Broader Security Background
The revelation follows claims from Scandinavian countries have alerted the United Kingdom to the existence of dual-use shutdown mechanisms in Chinese-made electric buses, which could allow the Chinese government to disable buses and cause chaos to transport systems.
Furthermore, a Russian intelligence vessel has been directing laser beams at Royal Air Force aircrew, labeled a “extremely risky” action by government representatives.
This broader security environment underscores the importance of robust protocols and vigilance in every areas of government activities, including transport usage to communication habits.
