An defence minister has stated that the MoD is actively examining the potential security risks associated with Chinese vehicles, while personnel have been told to avoid discussing classified information in any cars.
Safety Advice for Defence Staff
During a recent appearance on LBC, a defence minister commented on reports that MoD staff have been told not to talk about secret material while travelling in China-made vehicles.
The minister said that the ministry is “looking into” cars from China within its fleets, but stressed that safety is a concern in all contemporary cars.
We have a collection of thousands of vehicles in the MoD and Chinese ones represent a tiny fraction.
But whether you’re traveling in a vehicle from China or a car from another country, our instruction to our people is not to plug Ministry of Defence devices into their vehicle, to avoid having discussions at a classified level in any car, due to the increasing threats of surveillance that exist in every single automobile, to only have those secret talks in protected areas. This is a prudent and sensible thing for anyone concerned about safety.
After it was put to him that it would be prudent for the ministry to cease using every Chinese vehicles, Pollard responded: That is exactly what we’re investigating at the moment.”
Wider Defence Background
This revelation comes as claims from Norway and Denmark have warned the UK to the presence of dual-use kill switches in Chinese electric buses, which could enable China to switch off buses and cause disruption to public transit.
Furthermore, a Russia intelligence vessel was reportedly directing laser beams at Royal Air Force aircrew, described as a “extremely risky” action by defence officials.
This broader security environment underscores the significance of strong measures and vigilance in all aspects of government activities, including vehicle usage to discussions habits.
