A defence official has revealed that the Ministry of Defence is currently investigating the potential security risks posed by Chinese cars, while staff have been told to refrain from discussing classified information in all vehicles.
Security Advice for MoD Staff
During a recently aired appearance on LBC, a defence minister addressed claims that MoD officials have been told not to talk about classified information while riding in Chinese vehicles.
He explained that the MoD is “examining” Chinese vehicles within its fleets, however emphasised that safety is a concern in every contemporary cars.
Our department has a fleet of tens of thousands of vehicles in the Ministry of Defence and Chinese ones account for a tiny fraction.
But whether you’re traveling in a vehicle from China or a car from another country, what we’ve asked our staff is not to plug MoD devices into their vehicle, to avoid having discussions at a classified classification in any kind of car, because of the increasing threats of eavesdropping that exist in every single automobile, to restrict those secret conversations in secure locations. This is a prudent and reasonable thing for anyone worried about safety.
After it was put to him that it would be prudent for the ministry to cease using all cars from China, Pollard responded: ‘That’s precisely what we are looking into at the moment.”
Broader Defence Context
The announcement follows claims from Scandinavian countries have warned the United Kingdom to the existence of multi-purpose kill switches in Chinese electric buses, which could enable the Chinese government to switch off buses and bring chaos to transport systems.
Additionally, a Russia intelligence vessel has been directing laser beams at RAF aircrew, described as a “extremely risky” act by government representatives.
This wider security situation highlights the importance of strong protocols and vigilance in every areas of official operations, including vehicle use to communication habits.
