An defense official has stated that the MoD is currently investigating the potential security risks associated with Chinese-made cars, while staff have been told to avoid discussing secret matters in all vehicles.
Safety Advice for MoD Staff
During a recent interview on a radio station, a defence minister commented on claims that MoD staff have been instructed not to discuss classified material while riding in Chinese cars.
He stated that the ministry is “investigating” Chinese vehicles within its fleets, but emphasised that security is a concern in every contemporary vehicles.
Our department has a collection of tens of thousands of cars in the MoD and those vehicles account for a tiny fraction.
But whether you’re driving a Chinese car or a non-Chinese car, our instruction to our staff is to avoid connecting Ministry of Defence devices into their car, to avoid having conversations at a classified classification in any kind of car, because of the growing risks of eavesdropping that are present in every single automobile, to only have those secret talks in protected areas. That’s a wise and reasonable thing for everyone worried about safety.
When it was put to him that it would be wise for the ministry to cease using every Chinese vehicles, Pollard responded: That is precisely what we are looking into at the present time.”
Wider Defence Background
This revelation comes as reports from Norway and Denmark have warned the United Kingdom to the presence of dual-use shutdown mechanisms in Chinese-made electric buses, which could enable the Chinese government to disable buses and bring disruption to public transit.
Furthermore, a Russia intelligence vessel was reportedly directing lasers at RAF aircrew, described as a “extremely risky” act by government representatives.
This broader defence situation highlights the importance of robust measures and caution in every areas of official activities, including transport usage to communication practices.
