A defence official has stated that the Ministry of Defence is actively examining the potential security risks posed by Chinese-made cars, while personnel have been instructed to avoid discussing secret information in all vehicles.
Safety Guidance for Defence Personnel
During a recent interview on a radio station, a defence minister addressed claims that Ministry of Defence officials have been told not to discuss classified material while riding in Chinese cars.
The minister stated that the MoD is “looking into” Chinese vehicles within its vehicle pools, but emphasised that safety is a concern in all contemporary vehicles.
Our department has a fleet of tens of thousands of cars in the MoD and Chinese ones account for a very small number.
However regardless of if you’re driving a Chinese car or a car from another country, our instruction to our people is not to plug MoD technology into their vehicle, not to have discussions at a secret classification in any kind of car, because of the growing threats of eavesdropping that are present in all vehicle, to restrict those secret talks in protected areas. This is a prudent and sensible thing for everyone concerned about safety.
When it was suggested that it would be wise for the ministry to cease using all Chinese vehicles, Pollard replied: That is exactly what we’re investigating at the present time.”
Wider Security Context
This revelation follows claims from Scandinavian countries have warned the United Kingdom to the existence of multi-purpose shutdown mechanisms in Chinese-made electric buses, which could allow China to disable public transport and cause disruption to transport systems.
Additionally, a Russian intelligence vessel has been directing laser beams at Royal Air Force aircrew, described as a “extremely risky” act by defence officials.
The broader security environment underscores the importance of robust protocols and vigilance in all aspects of government activities, including vehicle use to discussions habits.
