A defense official has confirmed that the MoD is actively examining the potential threats associated with Chinese vehicles, while personnel have been advised to avoid discussing classified information in any cars.
Security Guidance for MoD Staff
During a recently aired interview on LBC, a defence minister commented on reports that MoD staff have been told not to discuss classified information while travelling in China-made vehicles.
The minister stated that the MoD is “examining” cars from China within its fleets, however noted that security is a issue in all modern vehicles.
We have a collection of tens of thousands of vehicles in the Ministry of Defence and Chinese ones represent a very small number.
But whether you’re traveling in a vehicle from China or a non-Chinese car, what we’ve asked our staff is to avoid connecting Ministry of Defence technology into their car, not to have discussions at a classified level in any car, because of the growing threats of eavesdropping that are present in every single automobile, to restrict those secret conversations in secure locations. That’s a prudent and sensible thing for anyone concerned about safety.
When it was put to him that it would be prudent for the MoD to stop using all Chinese vehicles, Pollard replied: That is precisely what we’re investigating at the present time.”
Wider Defence Background
This revelation follows reports from Norway and Denmark have alerted the UK to the existence of multi-purpose shutdown mechanisms in Chinese electric buses, which could enable the Chinese government to switch off public transport and bring chaos to public transit.
Additionally, a Russian spy ship has been directing laser beams at Royal Air Force pilots, described as a “highly dangerous” action by government representatives.
The wider security environment underscores the importance of robust measures and vigilance in every areas of government operations, including vehicle usage to communication habits.
