An defence official has revealed that the MoD is actively examining the possible security risks posed by Chinese-made vehicles, and personnel have been told to avoid talking about secret matters in all vehicles.
Safety Advice for MoD Personnel
In a recent interview on a radio station, a defence minister addressed claims that Ministry of Defence staff have been told not to discuss secret material while riding in Chinese cars.
He stated that the ministry is “investigating” Chinese vehicles within its vehicle pools, however emphasised that security is a issue in every contemporary vehicles.
We have a fleet of tens of thousands of cars in the Ministry of Defence and those vehicles account for a tiny fraction.
But whether you’re traveling in a vehicle from China or a car from another country, our instruction to our people is not to plug Ministry of Defence technology into their car, not to have discussions at a classified level in any kind of vehicle, due to the growing threats of surveillance that exist in all vehicle, to only have those confidential conversations in secure locations. That’s a prudent and reasonable thing for everyone worried about safety.
After it was put to him that it would be wise for the ministry to stop using all cars from China, Pollard responded: ‘That’s precisely what we’re investigating at the present time.”
Wider Defence Context
This revelation comes as reports from Scandinavian countries have warned the United Kingdom to the existence of dual-use shutdown mechanisms in Chinese-made electric buses, which could allow the Chinese government to switch off buses and cause chaos to transport systems.
Additionally, a Russia spy ship was reportedly directing lasers at RAF aircrew, described as a “highly dangerous” act by government representatives.
The wider security environment highlights the significance of strong protocols and vigilance in every aspects of government activities, from vehicle use to discussions habits.
