An defence official has confirmed that the MoD is actively examining the potential threats associated with Chinese cars, while personnel have been advised to avoid discussing classified information in any vehicles.
Security Guidance for MoD Personnel
In a recently aired interview on LBC, a defence minister commented on claims that MoD staff have been told not to talk about secret information while riding in China-made cars.
He explained that the MoD is “examining” Chinese vehicles within its fleets, but emphasised that security is a issue in every modern cars.
We have a fleet of tens of thousands of vehicles in the MoD and those vehicles represent a very small number.
But regardless of if you’re driving a vehicle from China or a non-Chinese car, our instruction to our people is to avoid connecting MoD devices into their car, not to have conversations at a secret level in any kind of vehicle, because of the growing threats of eavesdropping that exist in all automobile, to only have those secret conversations in protected areas. That’s a wise and reasonable thing for anyone concerned about security.
When it was suggested that it would be wise for the MoD to cease using every Chinese vehicles, Pollard responded: ‘That’s exactly what we’re investigating at the moment.”
Broader Security Background
This revelation follows claims from Norway and Denmark have warned the United Kingdom to the existence of dual-use kill switches in Chinese buses, which could enable the Chinese government to switch off public transport and cause disruption to transport systems.
Additionally, a Russia intelligence vessel has been shining lasers at RAF aircrew, described as a “highly dangerous” action by government representatives.
The broader defence situation underscores the significance of robust protocols and vigilance in all areas of government operations, from vehicle use to communication habits.
