An defence minister has confirmed that the Ministry of Defence is currently examining the possible threats associated with Chinese cars, while staff have been instructed to avoid talking about classified matters in all vehicles.
Security Guidance for MoD Staff
In a recently aired interview on LBC, a defence minister commented on claims that Ministry of Defence staff have been instructed not to talk about classified material while travelling in China-made cars.
He explained that the MoD is “examining” Chinese vehicles within its fleets, but noted that safety is a concern in every contemporary vehicles.
Our department has a fleet of tens of thousands of vehicles in the Ministry of Defence and those vehicles account for a tiny fraction.
But whether you’re traveling in a Chinese car or a non-Chinese car, what we’ve asked our people is to avoid connecting Ministry of Defence devices into their car, to avoid having discussions at a classified level in any vehicle, because of the growing risks of eavesdropping that are present in every single automobile, to restrict those secret talks in protected areas. This is a wise and sensible thing for everyone concerned about safety.
After it was put to him that it would be wise for the ministry to cease using all cars from China, Pollard responded: That is exactly what we’re investigating at the moment.”
Broader Security Background
The revelation follows reports from Norway and Denmark have warned the UK to the existence of dual-use kill switches in Chinese buses, which could enable China to disable buses and cause chaos to public transit.
Furthermore, a Russian intelligence vessel has been shining lasers at RAF aircrew, described as a “highly dangerous” act by government representatives.
This wider security situation underscores the significance of robust measures and caution in all areas of government operations, from vehicle use to communication practices.
