An defence minister has stated that the MoD is actively examining the potential threats posed by Chinese-made vehicles, and staff have been instructed to refrain from talking about classified matters in any cars.
Security Guidance for MoD Staff
In a recent interview on LBC, a defence minister addressed claims that MoD staff have been told not to discuss classified information while riding in China-made cars.
The minister stated that the ministry is “examining” Chinese vehicles within its fleets, however emphasised that safety is a issue in every contemporary cars.
Our department has a collection of thousands of cars in the MoD and those vehicles represent a very small number.
However whether you’re traveling in a Chinese car or a non-Chinese car, what we’ve asked our staff is to avoid connecting MoD technology into their vehicle, not to have conversations at a secret classification in any kind of vehicle, due to the growing risks of surveillance that are present in every single automobile, to restrict those secret conversations in protected areas. That’s a wise and reasonable thing for anyone worried about security.
After it was suggested that it would be prudent for the MoD to stop using all Chinese vehicles, Pollard responded: ‘That’s exactly what we are looking into at the present time.”
Broader Defence Context
This announcement follows claims from Scandinavian countries have warned the UK to the presence of dual-use shutdown mechanisms in Chinese-made electric buses, which could allow China to switch off public transport and cause chaos to public transit.
Additionally, a Russia spy ship has been directing laser beams at RAF pilots, described as a “extremely risky” action by government representatives.
The broader security environment highlights the importance of strong protocols and vigilance in all aspects of government activities, from vehicle use to communication practices.
