A defence minister has revealed that the MoD is actively investigating the possible security risks associated with Chinese vehicles, while staff have been instructed to avoid discussing classified information in any vehicles.
Security Guidance for MoD Personnel
During a recent interview on LBC, a defence minister addressed reports that MoD officials have been instructed not to talk about secret information while travelling in China-made cars.
He explained that the ministry is “investigating” Chinese vehicles within its vehicle pools, but stressed that safety is a concern in all modern cars.
Our department has a collection of thousands of cars in the Ministry of Defence and Chinese ones represent a very small number.
But whether you’re traveling in a Chinese car 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 car, because of the increasing risks of eavesdropping that are present in all vehicle, to only have those secret talks in protected areas. That’s a prudent and sensible thing for everyone worried about safety.
After it was put to him that it would be wise for the MoD to cease using all Chinese vehicles, Pollard replied: That is precisely what we’re investigating at the present time.”
Broader Security Background
The revelation follows reports from Norway and Denmark have alerted the UK to the presence of dual-use shutdown mechanisms in Chinese-made electric buses, which could allow China to disable buses and cause chaos to public transit.
Additionally, a Russian spy ship has been shining laser beams at Royal Air Force pilots, labeled a “extremely risky” action by government representatives.
This broader security environment underscores the significance of strong protocols and vigilance in every aspects of official operations, from transport use to discussions practices.
